England and South Africa will not host the 2035 Rugby World Cup after neither nation submitted a bid before the application deadline.
Both former hosts had been linked with staging the tournament, but neither entered the race, leaving three rival projects competing for rugby's biggest event.
Spain, Japan and a South American consortium are now in contention, with World Rugby set to make its final decision next year.
South Africa's World Cup dream stalls
South Africa last hosted the tournament in 1995, when Nelson Mandela famously presented François Pienaar with the Webb Ellis Cup.
Sports minister Gayton McKenzie had backed another bid, but the cost of hosting proved a major stumbling block.
SA Rugby president Mark Alexander explained: "We have decided we won’t be bidding because of the cost of upgrading our stadiums."
Despite winning a record four Rugby World Cups, the Springboks have not hosted the tournament for more than three decades.
South Africa is also exploring a potential Olympic Games bid, adding another expensive sporting ambition to the country's plans.
It means the wait goes on. By 2035, it will be 40 years since Mandela lifted the trophy alongside Pienaar at Ellis Park.
For a nation that has conquered the rugby world four times, bringing it back home remains unfinished business.
England also opts against bid
England were also linked with hosting in 2035, having previously staged the tournament in 2015.
However, the RFU did not submit an application before the deadline.
England successfully hosted the 2025 Women's Rugby World Cup, but another men's tournament will have to wait.
It means England will have to wait at least 24 years to host another men's Rugby World Cup, having last staged the competition in 2015.
Three contenders for 2035
Three rival projects have emerged:
- Spain: Hoping to host for the first time, with the Bernabéu and Camp Nou among potential venues.
- Japan: Looking to repeat the success of its historic 2019 tournament.
- South America: Argentina, Uruguay, Chile and Brazil are pursuing a joint bid.
World Rugby is expected to identify its preferred host in May 2027, with the final decision scheduled for November.
Australia will host the 2027 tournament, followed by the United States in 2031. That means Europe will have gone at least 12 years between men's Rugby World Cup's.
For South Africa, 2039 could offer another opportunity.
That would mark 44 years since their unforgettable 1995 triumph.
