Australia is among six nations including England, France, Portugal, Spain and Wales bidding for the tournament.

Bidding has attracted a record level of interest and no doubt has to do with the success of the 2017 tournament in Ireland.

The 2017 tournament was the best attended and most viewed Women's World Cup ever.

"We are delighted with the record level of Women’s Rugby World Cup 2021 hosting interest from unions, which reflects the significant global excitement and momentum behind the women’s game," World Rugby chairman Bill Beaumont said.

"Ireland 2017 was a magnificent tournament by any Rugby World Cup standards and I am sure that all six unions will be determined to raise the bar again as we look forward to a tournament that features a new format and is a proven major sporting and social driver."

All six nations have now been issued with bid documents and have until August 10 to submit their responses with the host selected on November 14.