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Russia has confirmed that it will bid to host Rugby World Cup 2027. The confirmation comes nine months after Russia Rugby CEO and chairman, Stanislav Druzhinin said that the country would indeed bid for RWC 2027.
With Russia 2027 official there are now two options for the 11th edition of the Rugby World Cup. Russia will be bidding against Australia, the co-host of RWC 1987 and solo host of RWC 2003. Australia 2027 is expected to be very strong with indications pointing to a very reputable bid.
The bidding process will officially begin in February 2021. All interested unions will have plenty of time to convince World Rugby and the voting council members why they deserve the opportunity. Th final decision will be made in May 2022.
RWC 2023 will be played in France. It is a quick turnaround following RWC 2007 which also took place in France. It was followed by New Zealand 2011, the most recent occasion wherein the tournament was staged in the Southern Hemisphere.
Argentina had intended to bid for RWC 2027, but is to instead back its SANZAAR partner union. In the event that Australia were to win RWC 2027 hosting rights it would still be a record time in between RWCs played in the Southern Hemisphere.
Not only would Russia 2027 continue the Northern Hemisphere’s hosting streak, it would also see extend the run of tournaments played in Europe and Asia. However, unlike Australia, Russia has never hosted a RWC. The country competed in RWCs 2011 and 2019 and was the final team eliminated from the RWC 2015 qualifiers, falling to Uruguay at the last hurdle.
Russia 2027 comes at a time when coverage of rugby in the country is expanding and the union is open about capturing players via the eligibility laws.
The country has proven World Cup hosting abilities; it staged the 2018 FIFA World Cup. Druzhinin has previously said that Russia intends to use the same stadiums for the purpose of Russia hosting RWC 2027.
