The first woman appointed to the World Rugby Council has called Australia "the benchmark" in women's rugby development in a huge boost for Rugby Australia ahead of a looming vote on the 2021 Women's World Cup.

Ada Milby, the former Philippines national captain and Asia Rugby power broker, said Australia's gold-medal winning sevens program, Super W competition, and historic entry-level pay parity deal across the sport put the country at the pinnacle of women's rugby.

"I'm here to learn from them because in terms of governance and the advancement of their women's program, Australia is the benchmark nation in the world," Milby told Fairfax Media. "They are well ahead."

Her comments will be a surprise, but welcome, boost to RA, who are rounding the final bend in the race to host the 2021 Women's World Cup. New Zealand and Australia submitted bids, with a vote to be cast in mid-November after a final presentation from both nations.

RA and the man charged with helping them win the hosting rights to the 2021 Women's World Cup, Rod McGeoch, are rolling out the welcome mat for World Rugby in Sydney this week, using it as a last chance to show off the Hunter region, Newcastle and the Australian rugby community that would benefit from the event.