South Africa and England pushing to host 2035 Rugby World Cup as contenders emerge

The Springboks haven't played a home World Cup since the iconic 1995 tournament, when Nelson Mandela presented Francois Pienaar with the Webb Ellis Cup at Ellis Park.

Now South Africa's Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, is attempting to change that.

McKenzie revealed earlier this year that he wants South Africa to enter the race for 2035 and has already begun approaching potential corporate sponsors.

There's just one rather significant problem.

SA Rugby has previously indicated it has little appetite for another World Cup bid following the expensive and ultimately unsuccessful attempt to secure the 2023 tournament.

Chief executive Rian Oberholzer also suggested earlier this year that the economics of modern World Cup hosting count against both South Africa and New Zealand.

The men's tournament is World Rugby's primary money-maker, meaning commercial returns are becoming increasingly important when choosing hosts.

McKenzie, however, isn't giving up.

He explained that SA Rugby cannot make the required financial commitments on behalf of the government, meaning his first job is securing sufficient private and state backing.

McKenzie's plan is essentially to assemble the financial package before returning to SA Rugby and asking the union to formally pursue the tournament.

SA Rugby president Mark Alexander subsequently confirmed the organisation had not yet committed itself to that course of action.

It leaves South Africa in an unusual position: not yet a confirmed bidder, but with a government minister actively attempting to turn them into one.

Status: Potential bid being pushed by government
Last hosted: 1995

And they aren't alone.

With Australia hosting in 2027 and the United States taking the tournament in 2031, several countries are positioning themselves for what could become a fascinating battle for 2035.

Japan are among the strongest contenders after formally expressing their interest in hosting the tournament again.

They would arrive with an obvious advantage: experience.

Japan hosted the 2019 World Cup, the first men's tournament staged in Asia, with packed stadiums and huge domestic interest helping make it one of rugby's most memorable editions.

A return in 2035 would come just 16 years later.

Status: Confirmed interest
Last hosted: 2019

Perhaps the most intriguing European option is Spain.

The Spanish Rugby Federation has publicly launched its 2035 project, with government support strengthening its position.

Spain also possesses something World Rugby increasingly values – huge stadiums and major commercial markets.

Madrid's Santiago Bernabéu and Barcelona's Camp Nou demonstrate the scale of infrastructure potentially available, alongside major venues elsewhere in the country.

Spain has never hosted a men's Rugby World Cup.

Status: Bid project launched
Last hosted: Never

The 2035 tournament could also break completely new ground.

Argentina is at the heart of plans for a potential South American World Cup, alongside Uruguay, Chile and Brazil.

It would be the first men's Rugby World Cup staged in South America.

Argentina provides the rugby pedigree, while Brazil could offer enormous commercial potential and an extensive network of stadiums constructed or redeveloped for the 2014 FIFA World Cup.

The obvious obstacle would be geography, with potentially huge distances between host cities and countries.

Status: South American project under development
Last hosted: Never

Italy have also been linked with the 2035 tournament.

The country has never hosted a Rugby World Cup despite being part of the Six Nations since 2000.

Italy's preparations for football's Euro 2032 could potentially leave the country with improved stadium infrastructure ahead of a World Cup three years later.

Rome, Milan and Turin would provide obvious major markets, while Florence, Bologna, Naples and other cities could form part of a wider venue plan.

Status: Long-standing interest
Last hosted: Never

One notable name currently missing from the emerging race is England.

England last staged the men's Rugby World Cup in 2015 and subsequently hosted the record-breaking Women's Rugby World Cup in 2025.

That means there is little doubt over the country's ability to deliver the tournament.

Twickenham would provide a ready-made rugby centrepiece, while England has access to some of Europe's biggest football stadiums.

However, there has so far been no public confirmation of an RFU bid for the 2035 men's tournament.

A successful bid would bring the competition back exactly 20 years after England 2015.

For now, though, they appear to be watching the race develop from the sidelines.

Status: No confirmed bid
Last hosted: 2015

The process is already underway.

World Rugby launched the host selection process in 2025, with detailed applicant questionnaires due during the third quarter of 2026.

Site visits and feasibility assessments will follow in late 2026 and early 2027 before World Rugby identifies its preferred host in May 2027.

The successful host is scheduled to be formally appointed by the World Rugby Council in November 2027.

And money will matter.

France 2023 delivered a record £472million surplus for World Rugby to reinvest into the global game, underlining why commercial potential is such a major part of the selection process.

That could ultimately be the biggest obstacle facing South Africa.

But if McKenzie can secure the financial guarantees required to change SA Rugby's position, the prospect of the Springboks defending their home turf at a World Cup for the first time since 1995 would surely become one of the most compelling options on the table.