The Future of Rugby World Cup Hosts: A Glimpse into 2035
As the Rugby World Cup continues to captivate fans worldwide, the hosting landscape for future tournaments is evolving.
South Africa, absent from the list of interested hosts, reflects a significant shift from the last time the event graced the African continent four decades ago.
Australia 2027: A Familiar Return
In 2027, Australia will play host to the Rugby World Cup, marking a return to a familiar stage where they jointly hosted the tournament in 1987 and exclusively in 2003.
2031: Breaking New Ground in the United States
The tournament will break new ground in 2031 as the Rugby World Cup ventures into the United States, exploring untapped rugby enthusiasm on American soil.
Japan’s Ambitious Bid for 2035
Japan emerges as the first contender for the 2035 Rugby World Cup, signaling a potential return to Asia for the tournament.
The Japan Rugby Football Union, under the leadership of Kensuke Iwabuchi, expresses their intent to bid, aiming for a historic second staging of the event.
The potential bids from Japan and Argentina for 2035 highlight the global appeal of rugby and the growing interest in hosting this prestigious competition.
Japan’s enthusiasm, fueled by the success of the 2019 tournament, sets the stage for ambitious goals, with Iwabuchi aspiring for Japan to become the world’s top rugby union team by 2035.
Contenders and Possibilities: Argentina, Georgia, and Romania
Argentina emerges as a strong candidate for the 2035 hosting rights, provided they assemble a financially viable bid.
Speculation also surrounds the possibility of a joint bid from European nations Georgia and Romania, although no concrete bid has surfaced.
Japan’s Vision for 2035:
Japan, having left a lasting impression in 2019, aims to once again elevate the Rugby World Cup experience.
Kensuke Iwabuchi’s declaration underscores Japan’s commitment to securing the hosting rights and their aspiration to be at the forefront of global rugby by 2035.
World Rugby’s Forward-Looking Strategy:
World Rugby adopts a forward-looking strategy by issuing hosting rights for both the men’s and women’s tournaments two years apart.
This approach ensures a seamless transition, with France hosting the men’s tournament in 2023 and England staging the Women’s Rugby World Cup in 2025.
The decision to take the men’s and women’s tournaments to the United States in 2031 and 2033 marks a groundbreaking move, reflecting World Rugby’s commitment to expanding the sport’s reach on a global scale.
Recalling South Africa’s Bid and the Fallout of France 2023:
South Africa’s absence from the list of potential hosts for 2035 raises questions, considering the country’s recent bid for the 2023 tournament.
The controversial bidding process and subsequent investigations into corruption in French rugby cast a shadow over the spectacle of France 2023.
Conclusion:
As the Rugby World Cup looks ahead to 2035, the landscape is dynamic, with bids from Japan and potential contenders promising an exciting future for this globally cherished sporting event.
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