Russia Muscling In On Australia's 2027 Rugby World Cup Bid

Vladimir Putin has backed Russia's bid to host the Rugby World Cup in 2027.

The Russian Rugby Federation (RRF) today confirmed the country's interest in hosting the global sporting spectacle - and now they have their President's full support.

This news comes as a major blow for Australia who are the current favourites to land the prestigious honour.

The RRF said in a statement: "On July 24, the supreme council of the Russian Rugby Federation established a committee to prepare an application to host the Rugby World Cup in Russia in 2027."

"Anticipating the creation of the committee, chairman of the supreme council of the Russian Rugby Federation Igor Artemyev recalled that the initiative to prepare an application to host the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Russia was supported by the president of Russia at the council for the development of physical culture and sports.

"The necessary consultations were held with the participation of the ministry of sports. By the end of this year detailed information and criteria for the application are expected."

Russia have never staged a Rugby World Cup before, although if their success from the 2018 FIFA World Cup is anything to go by then they certainly know how to put on a show.

That being said, Australia seem to be the overarching favourites to land the 2017 tournament.

The country is proven on the world stage having hosted the 2003 World Cup and co-hosted the inaugural competition with New Zealand in 1987.