Meeting this Thursday, the World Rugby Council formalized the host countries for future editions of the World Cup. The next men’s editions have been awarded to Australia (2027) and the United States (2031). The women’s editions will take place in England (2025), Australia (2029) and the United States (2033).
These allocations are hardly surprising since the candidates had already benefited for many months from the status of “preferred candidate”. World Rugby chairman Bill Beaumont welcomed, saying: “Today we have named three exceptional host nations for the Rugby World Cup, providing unprecedented certainty and a unique opportunity to drive the growth and reach of rugby around the world.“.
In the United States for the first time
For the first time, the competition will be exported to the United States with the men’s worlds in 2031 and the women’s in 2033. But this will not be a first for the American continent since Canada had already hosted the 2010 edition, won by New Zealanders. The American candidacy had been supported by President Joe Biden, who had sent a letter to World Rugby at the end of April.
“USA Rugby will now venture into a new era and ensure the sport’s most prestigious tournament is a springboard to igniting lasting excitement and passion for rugby from coast to coast.“, commented Ross Young, the director general of the American Federation. England, host country of the 2025 edition, has already received three World Cups, one female (2010) and two male (1991 and 2015).
The return of the World Cup to the southern hemisphere
Nor will it be a first ‘Down Under’ since Australia have already organized the Men’s World Cup in 1987 (with New Zealand) and in 2003. “It’s a historic day for rugby in Australia. We are delighted to be hosting not one, but two Rugby World Cups on our shores. It’s a ‘game-changer’ for rugby in this country, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to revitalize and secure the future of rugby here and see the sport we all love grow and thrive for years to come. coming“said Rugby Australia chairman Hamish McLennan.
Regarding the men’s edition of 2027, it will be the first in the southern hemisphere since the 2011 edition disputed in New Zealand. England and Japan hosted the 2015 and 2019 vintages respectively. France will organize the next one in 2023.