Rugby World Cup confirms next four hosts as Europe faces lengthy wait

World Rugby has confirmed Australia will host the men’s Rugby World Cup in 2027 before staging the women’s tournament in 2029, with the United States then taking centre stage for the men’s competition in 2031 and the women’s Rugby World Cup in 2033.

Preparations are already underway for Rugby World Cup 2027, which will see the men’s tournament return to Australia for the first time since 2003.

It means the men’s tournament will not return to Europe until 2035 at the earliest, following France’s hugely successful hosting of the competition in 2023.

For supporters across England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, France and the rest of Europe, that means a minimum 12-year gap between men’s Rugby World Cups being staged on the continent.

Should the 2035 tournament also be awarded elsewhere, that wait would stretch to at least 16 years.

World Rugby’s strategy is clear: use its showpiece tournaments to strengthen rugby in Australia before attempting to unlock the enormous sporting and commercial potential of the United States.

However, there are questions over whether taking the tournament away from its traditional heartlands for such a prolonged period represents a significant gamble.

RUCK editor Steve Smith believes there needs to be a balance between expanding rugby into new markets and continuing to serve the countries where the sport already commands an established audience.

He said: “I completely understand World Rugby’s ambition to grow the game and take its biggest tournament into new markets, but I do worry about the direction of travel.

“Australia is one of rugby’s great nations historically, but union has lost an enormous amount of ground there.

“Research into sports participation in Australia demonstrates the scale of the challenge facing rugby union, with Australian rules football and rugby league commanding significantly greater attention domestically.

“There has to be a genuine concern about just how much of that ground rugby can realistically win back.

“The United States in 2031 is an even bigger gamble. Rugby is fighting for attention in arguably the most competitive sporting market in the world, up against the NFL, NBA, MLB and NHL.

World Rugby is betting big on growing the game in Australia and the United States, with the next two men’s tournaments heading outside Europe.

“Gallup’s research into Americans’ favourite sports demonstrates the enormous dominance of American football, while even soccer has spent decades attempting to establish itself alongside the country’s traditional major sports.

“If soccer is still fighting that battle despite the enormous resources and global popularity behind it, you can understand the scale of the challenge facing rugby.

“I genuinely hope both tournaments are huge successes because rugby desperately needs to grow. But expansion shouldn’t mean turning your back on the places where the sport is already thriving.

“France 2023 showed exactly what a World Cup in Europe can be. Packed stadiums, huge travelling support and millions of established rugby fans able to experience the tournament without spending thousands travelling halfway around the world.

“My biggest concern is how long European supporters could now be asked to wait.

“We already know there will be no men’s World Cup in Europe in either 2027 or 2031. Even if Europe gets the tournament at the very next opportunity in 2035, that will be 12 years since France 2023.

“If 2035 also goes elsewhere, Europe would be facing at least 16 years between hosting men’s tournaments.

“That is a generation of young supporters potentially growing up without ever having a Rugby World Cup on their doorstep.

“There needs to be a balance. Take rugby into new markets, absolutely, but don’t neglect the supporters and nations that have helped sustain the sport for generations.

“The World Cup should be used to grow rugby, but it also needs to regularly come home to its strongest markets.”

World Rugby says this new model – working closely with governments, unions and venues well in advance – ensures commercial strength, event consistency and long-term growth.

World Rugby has set four guiding principles: commercial optimisation, operational control, contractual certainty, and transparency. In other words – big money, secure deals, and a fair fight.

Spain is emerging as a dark horse in the race to host Rugby World Cup 2035. With its status as a global tourism hotspot, the country can offer visitors a combination of world-class cities, iconic cultural landmarks and easy travel. Crucially, it boasts renovated mega-stadiums like the Camp Nou in Barcelona (105,000 capacity) and the Santiago Bernabéu in Madrid, as well as excellent transport links across the country.

The main challenge lies in rugby’s relatively modest domestic presence compared to football. Scheduling matches around La Liga fixtures could also prove tricky. Still, Spain’s blend of glamour and infrastructure makes it a genuine contender.

England is the tried-and-tested option. Having hosted in 1991 and 2015, it already has the blueprint for a successful tournament. Twickenham Stadium, alongside a network of Premier League grounds, means facilities are top class. The country’s huge rugby fanbase almost guarantees sell-outs, ensuring World Rugby a financial win.

But therein lies the drawback – it may simply be too safe. With calls to diversify hosting and explore new frontiers, a third Rugby World Cup in England within 45 years could feel repetitive to some stakeholders.

Italy is another Six Nations nation keen to throw its hat in the ring. The country has a passionate rugby following in the north, with cities like Treviso and Parma forming the heart of its domestic game. Italy can also point to a solid network of stadiums, including Serie A grounds that could be adapted for rugby.

However, infrastructure upgrades would be required, and commercially it may not pack the same punch as Spain. Italy’s cultural appeal is undeniable, but in the high-stakes world of Rugby World Cup hosting, it may struggle to outshine its Iberian neighbour.

The Gulf States bring financial muscle to the table like no other. Backed by enormous investment, they can offer gleaming, modern stadiums and the opportunity for the first Rugby World Cup in the Middle East. For World Rugby, that global expansion narrative is tempting.

Yet, the challenges are considerable. The searing September and October heat could make conditions extremely tough. Add to that the lack of a deep-rooted rugby culture and ongoing political and human rights concerns, and the bid may face intense scrutiny.

Few nations breathe rugby like South Africa. The Springboks are icons on the global stage, and the nation’s hosting of the 1995 Rugby World Cup remains one of the sport’s defining moments. From rugby to football, South Africa’s stadiums have seen it all—and the energy would be electric.

Passion is never in question. But economic instability and political uncertainty could tip the scales in World Rugby’s decision-making. The governing body may also be keen to explore new markets rather than returning to a familiar powerhouse.

SARU is ready to test the waters but wants clarity on the hosting conditions before committing. Early discussions with World Rugby are promising, but whether the government would back the bid financially remains an open question.

Japan lit up the rugby world in 2019, delivering one of the most memorable World Cups in history. The tournament expanded rugby’s reach in Asia, sparked new fan engagement, and proved that so-called “non-traditional” nations can host with flair. Japan’s infrastructure, transport and hospitality also remain strong assets.

However, a return just 16 years later might feel premature. Some stadiums are smaller than their European counterparts, and World Rugby may judge that it’s too soon for a repeat appearance in Asia.