Americas Rugby News Rugby news from across the Americas!
World Rugby have taken a significant step forward in determining the hosts for the next four Rugby World Cups. Preferred candidates have been chosen for Rugby World Cups 2025 and 2027, with England taking the lead for the Women’s event and Australia the Men’s tournament.
While stopping short of handing them preferential status, the USA will move forward with “exclusive targeted dialogue” for the hosting of the Men’s tournament in 2031. The Women’s tournament in 2029 has multiple suitors with none advancing their claim as of yet.
It’s a change to the bidding process that will see World Rugby take greater responsibility for the delivery of Rugby World Cups moving forward, effectively creating a partnership approach between the host union and World Rugby. It should be noted that host candidates will still require approval by the World Rugby Council in May 2022.
England were set to bid against the USA for the 2031 World Cup but a statement from RFU CEO Bill Sweeney now suggests their priorities lie solely with 2025;
“We are delighted to have been awarded Preferred Candidate status for Rugby World Cup 2025. Hosting it will be incredible, our ambition is to stage the best attended women’s RWC ever, with nationwide qualifiers and a sellout final at Twickenham Stadium.
“We are looking forward to working with World Rugby and Government to make this happen. We will now focus all our bidding efforts on securing these games and wish Australia and the USA every success with their plans to host future Rugby World Cups.”
“Women’s rugby is growing exponentially and securing RWC 2025 will significantly support our aggressive growth targets for the women’s game while further advancing all women’s sport. In addition, Rugby World Cup will deliver significant economic and legacy returns for the whole country.”
USA Rugby CEO Ross Young also provided a statement in the media release;
“This is a positive next step for the USA as we elevate exclusive discussions with World Rugby and our stakeholders around a successful campaign for Rugby World Cup 2031. The United States is an emerging rugby market primed with potential that we’re excited to unlock and strategically partner in the most effective way.
“With USA cities, commissions and stakeholders eager to support a USA-hosted Rugby World Cup, this targeted dialogue opens a new door for collaboration and progress, ultimately fueling an optimistic future for USA Rugby and the global game.”
