IOC vice-president John Coates and Wallaby legend Gary Ella have been added to Rugby Australia's Rugby World Cup advisory board.
The board, set up last month, has been established to help boost Australia's bid to host the 2027 Rugby World Cup and is chaired by Sir Rod Eddington.
Coates was this week elected as International Olympic Committee vice-president and is an influential figure in world sport.
Ella is a legendary Test player and has been a vocal advocate for Indigenous representation across all forms of rugby.
Rugby AU chairman Hamish McLennan said Coates and Ella would be valuable additions to the board
“John and Gary are two terrific additions to the Advisory Board and they join an already formidable team, as we begin to develop a bid that delivers significant return to the Australian economy as well as World Rugby," he said.
“John has a storied history in facilitating major events across the globe and has a professional network that is second to none. John is one of Australia’s top sporting administrators globally and with his re-appointment as Vice President of the Olympic movement, he knows what it takes for Australia to succeed at this level.
“John’s experience as Senior Vice President of the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games Bid Committee and as Senior Vice President of the Organising Committee (SOCOG) was crucial in winning and delivering the Sydney Games.”
"Gary's history as a Wallaby needs no introduction but his work with the Lloyd McDermott Rugby Development team and the Classic Wallabies has helped secure significant programs for Rugby Australia to inspire and engage First Nations people to our game."
Coates said the impact of a World Cup on Australia would be "immeasurable".
"I’m honoured to have been asked to join the Advisory Board and thank Hamish and Rod for their consideration. The Rugby World Cup is one of the world’s major sporting events on the global calendar and the positive effect it would have on Australia would be immeasurable.”
“This bid is a terrific opportunity to capture the hearts and minds of Australians young and old while also showcasing our incredible country to the rest of the world."
Ella said he was excited to be part of the process of working towards winning another home World Cup.
“I want to thank Hamish for his leadership and proactivity as we look to secure a tournament that would be transformational for rugby here in Australia.
“I know from my experience at all levels of the game, what a fantastic opportunity a home Rugby World Cup would provide for communities across the country and what that investment would mean for our future generations."
