Lake Macquarie will host at least one international rugby squad in the lead-up to next year's Men's Rugby World Cup, creating flow-on economic, tourism and sporting benefits for the city.
Rugby World Cup Australia 2027 organisers on Friday announced outdoor training venues across Australia for the 1 October-13 November 2027 competition, which will see an expanded roster of 24 teams compete across 52 matches for the coveted Webb Ellis Cup.
That list included the recently upgraded Ernie Calland Fields at Gateshead, which features two fully illuminated rugby fields, a clubhouse, changerooms and storage facilities.
Lake Macquarie Mayor Adam Shultz said at least one international squad would use the site to prepare for their World Cup campaign.
"We've welcomed delegations from a number of countries from Asia, the Pacific region, Europe and South America and the feedback we got across the board was very positive," he said.
"It's fantastic news to discover we'll be hosting a team, and we're waiting with bated breath to find out who it will be."
"Whichever team it is, they will provide fantastic benefits for our city, not just in terms of the exposure we will get from the squad being here, but also the money spent by the squad and the considerable entourage that follows them wherever they go."
Lake Macquarie City Council Manager Community Partnerships Matt Holloway said the World Cup schedule meant Ernie Calland Fields could provide a training venue for two nations back-to-back.
"We're excited to be hosting one nation but crossing our fingers it could be two," he said.
"The selection of Ernie Calland Fields - one of only a few community grounds selected - is testament to the quality of the venue, which Council crews have worked long and hard to bring up to professional standards."
"Australia is also set to host the 2029 Women's Rugby World Cup, which will provide another opportunity to host participating countries."
Arrangements have been made with club administrators to minimise disruption to sports and clubs that usually use the venue during the World Cup training and preparation phases.
Mr Holloway said alternative, nearby venues would be used wherever possible.
"We are working with the clubs to ensure our city's junior and senior sport fixtures can still go ahead as usual," he said.
Southern Beaches Rugby Football Club President Wayne Goodchild said the coup was exciting, both for the club and for Lake Macquarie.
"Hopefully it will attract players new to rugby to Southern Beaches," he said.
Men's Rugby World Cup organisers are expected to provide details in early October of where each team will train.
