Newcastle and the Hunter could be put on the international stage as Rugby Australia bids to bring the Women's World Cup to our region.
The state government have pledged $5 million to the cause, which would see finals games played at Broadmeadow's McDonald Jones Stadium and earlier games at Newcastle and Maitland's Number One Sportsgrounds.
The final decision will be made by Rugby officials in London later this year, but if successful, Australia's bid would result in the World Cup's first Southern Hemisphere appearance.
Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter Scot MacDonald joined Sports Minister Stuart Ayres to make the announcement today and says it's not a done deal yet, but the prospects are good.
"We're not across the line yet, but we're very hopeful," he explained, "we saw a bit of the bid today - it's very very professional, so fingers crossed."
"We all know the Hunter loves its sport, people will get behind it, we'll see great attendance and support and it'll showcase the region," Mr MacDonald said.
