World Rugby have confirmed the locations for the next FOUR Rugby World Cups as it accelerates global development and growth.
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At its Annual Meeting in Dublin, the World Rugby Council unanimously approved the staging of Rugby World Cup in the following countries, delivering a golden decade for the sport:
- Australia to host Rugby World Cup 2027 (men’s) and 2029 (women’s)
- USA to host Rugby World Cup 2031 (men’s) and 2033 (women’s)
World Rugby Chief Executive Alan Gilpin added: “As a sport and an international federation, it is imperative that we continually seek new ways to ensure that the sport converts clear potential into impactful outcomes, and today’s decision reflects that commitment.
“A partnership approach will enable us to develop robust strategic objectives that are great for the host nation and great for rugby and build efficiencies of delivery and resourcing, helping to reduce hosting costs from the outset, while maximising fan engagement, revenue and delivery opportunities.
“All of which will lead to even greater direct investment back into the game at all levels.”
England Among Six Contenders to Host 2035 Rugby World Cup
The countdown begins in October 2025, when nations can put their hands up to host, with the final decision set for November 2027.
Locking in a host eight years out is now standard practice, giving World Rugby the room to maximise value, expand the game globally, and keep the Rugby World Cup at the top of the sporting world.
Why it matters
The Rugby World Cup isn’t just a tournament – it’s the sport’s financial powerhouse.
RWC 2023 in France smashed records with 2.3 million fans attending, 1.33 billion viewing hours worldwide, and a record £472m surplus pumped back into the game. It also delivered a staggering €1.8bn in spending and an €871m net economic gain for France, alongside major community and fan-driven initiatives.
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.
The selection roadmap
- Oct 2025: Expressions of interest open
- Q3 2026: Formal applications submitted
- Late 2026 – Early 2027: Site visits & feasibility checks
- May 2027: Preferred host identified
- Nov 2027: Final appointment by World Rugby Council
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.
🇦🇷 Argentina
Argentina have now officially entered the race to host the 2035 Rugby World Cup, pitching the tournament as a landmark opportunity to bring rugby to South America for the first time. The bid could take on a regional dimension, with potential support from neighbouring nations such as Uruguay, Chile and Brazil—offering World Rugby a powerful expansion narrative.
On the field, Argentina’s credentials are strong. Los Pumas have reached the World Cup semi-finals three times and remain the leading force in the Americas. Off the field, the country offers passionate sports fans, iconic cities and the potential for vibrant, high-energy atmospheres throughout the tournament.
The key challenge will be infrastructure and scale. A successful bid would likely require a multi-city or even multi-country approach to meet the commercial and logistical demands of a modern Rugby World Cup. Even so, as a growth opportunity with genuine rugby pedigree, Argentina’s bid adds a compelling new dimension to an already competitive race.
🇪🇸 Spain
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
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.
