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Russia’s bid to host RWC 2027 has received backing from Russian president Vladimir Putin. The world’s largest country is seeking to stage the tournament for the first time. It is the second country to confirm a bid following Australia.
The Russians participated in RWC 2019, facing Japan in the tournament opener. It was Russia’s second appearance in a RWC tournament. The first was in 2011 in New Zealand. The Bears are winless in their eight pool matches in New Zealand 2011 and Japan 2019.
The Russian bid intends on utilizing from the 2018 FIFA World Cup. The country constructed new or upgraded existing facilities for that tournament.
World Rugby will announce the RWC 2027 hosts in May 2022. Additional interested unions may decide to bid, but it is expected to be a two-horse race between Australia and Russia.
Argentina had intended on bidding, but has opted to back Australia instead. No other bid is advanced from another country, meaning that Russia is one possibility of a RWC 2027 taking place in a new country.
France 2023 is to be the third consecutive RWC in the Northern Hemisphere. Up until, and including, 2011 the tournament had rotated between the hemispheres, doing so between the former Tri Nations and Five Nations. Thus, while Russia 2027 would see the Northern Hemisphere hosting four consecutive RWCs, Australia 2027 would see the tournament hosted in a repeated union. France 2027 was selected over bids from Ireland and South Africa.
