WASHINGTON — Representatives from various US cities and States descended on Washington DC to find out more about potential opportunities in becoming official host cities for the Men’s Rugby World Cup 2031 and Women’s Rugby World Cup 2033. 

This marks the first time that North America will be hosting these prestigious events, and the enthusiasm is palpable as the tournament progress continues at a rapid pace. World Rugby and USA Rugby were on hand to welcome the prospective hosts and provide them with more information about the hosting requirements.

The hosting rights for the 2031 and 2033 tournaments were awarded to the USA in May 2022 as part of World Rugby’s 11-year hosting plans. This decision comes after England was chosen to host the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025, and Australia was selected as the destination for the Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027 and Women’s Rugby World Cup 2029. World Rugby has set its sights on making the Women’s Rugby World Cup USA 2033 the first financially sustainable tournament in its history, signaling a new era for the sport.

The Rugby World Cup Host City Summit in Washington DC saw over 70 representatives from more than 30 cities and State entities in attendance. They had the opportunity to learn about the bidding requirements directly from World Rugby, USA Rugby, and tournament stakeholders. The summit also featured insights from some of the sport’s biggest stars, highlighting the potential impact of the tournament in the US and around the world. With over 30 cities expressing their interest, including Washington, D.C., the excitement for the upcoming tournaments is building, especially as the Men’s Rugby World Cup continues to gain popularity as one of the most widely-viewed international sports tournaments.

The bidding process for the host cities is expected to be highly competitive, with cities vying for the opportunity to showcase their culture, infrastructure, and passion for rugby on a global stage. The economic impact of hosting a Rugby World Cup is significant, with millions of dollars in revenue generated for the host city and surrounding areas. In addition to the financial benefits, hosting the tournament also provides an opportunity to promote the sport of rugby and inspire a new generation of players and fans.

The selection of host cities for the Men’s Rugby World Cup 2031 and Women’s Rugby World Cup 2033 will be based on a variety of factors, including stadium capacity, transportation infrastructure, accommodation options, and overall readiness to host a major international sporting event. The chosen cities will have the chance to showcase their unique characteristics and hospitality to a global audience, while also leaving a lasting legacy for the sport of rugby in the United States. World Rugby Chief Executive Alan Gilpin said that “these two tournaments can help grow the game sustainably for the future.”

With the support of World Rugby, USA Rugby, and the local communities, the USA is poised to deliver a world-class event that will leave a lasting impact on rugby in North America and beyond. Bill Goren emphasized the need to use the opportunity of hosting the Rugby World Cup to grow the game in the USA. “The USA has the third highest number of rugby participants of any country on earth,” said the USA Rugby CEO.

Edited by Judy J. Rotich and Newsdesk Manager