World Cups in 2031, 2033 big step in ‘development of rugby in the US’

World Rugby announced the host nations for World Cups from 2025 to 2033 on Thursday. The United States will host the men’s tournament in 2031 and the women’s tournament two years later. 

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The council meeting in Dublin decided that Australia will get back-to-back tournaments in 2027 (men) and 2029 (women).

Reacting to the announcement USA Rugby chief executive Ross Young said that hosting World Cups is a “paradigm-shifting catalyst for the growth of our sport, not only here in the United States but around the world.”

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“USA Rugby will now venture into a new era,” Young added, “and ensure the sport’s most treasured event is a springboard for creating lasting, sustainable enthusiasm and passion for rugby from coast to coast.”

The host nations were announced a month after US President Joe Biden sent a letter to World Rugby,  giving governmental guarantees and his backing for the “development of rugby in the United States.”

“The United States strongly supports the effort to bring the 2031 Menʼs Rugby World Cup Tournament and the 2033 Womenʼs Rugby World Cup Tournament to our country and looks forward to working with Rugby World Cup Limited to help deliver the most successful Rugby World Cups in history,” the Democrat said in the letter. 

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In some parts of the world men’s Rugby World Cup is regarded as the third biggest sporting even after the FIFA (football) World Cup and Summer Olympics. The US is expected to incur a cost around $500 million to host two World Cups. More than 20 American cities are potential hosts for World Cup matches, USA Rugby has said.

“The unparalleled growth made possible by bringing the world’s third-largest sports event and the fastest growing women’s event to the world’s largest sports market cannot be overstated,” USA Rugby said.

England was announced as the host of the women’s World Cup in 2025.