After the 2027 tournament in Australia and the 2031 World Cup in the USA, World Rugby is keen to bring the competition back to Europe.
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Spain is leading the charge, with Japan, Italy, and the Middle East also eyeing the prestigious event.
Alan Gilpin Talks Rotation
World Rugby CEO Alan Gilpin explained, “We’ve made some strategic decisions, taking the men’s and women’s tournaments to Australia and the US. Now, we need to think about the balance and whether we bring 2035 (men’s) and 2037 (women’s) back to Europe. It’s almost like a regional rotation – a new discussion for us.”
Spanish Support for Rugby
Spain, which has already qualified for the 2027 World Cup, is quickly becoming a rugby powerhouse. The Spanish Rugby Federation and the government are in talks with La Liga to potentially use their stadiums for the 2035 tournament.
Bernabeu & Nou Camp to Host?
Could the Bernabeu, home of Real Madrid, and the Nou Camp, home of Barcelona, host World Cup matches? It’s looking more likely as discussions move forward, with La Liga showing strong support.
Spain’s Growing Rugby Presence
With Spain qualifying for 2027 and their rugby scene expanding, the country is positioned to make a huge impact on the world stage.
How 2027 Rugby World Cup draw could look based on current World Rankings
Seeding Pots Recap
Pot 1:
South Africa, New Zealand, Ireland, France, Argentina, England
Pot 2:
Scotland, Australia, Fiji, Italy, Georgia, Wales
Pot 3:
Japan, Samoa, USA, Spain, Uruguay, Portugal
Pot 4:
Tonga, Romania, Chile, Belgium, Hong Kong China, Canada
Random Draw – Six Groups of Four
| Group | Pot 1 | Pot 2 | Pot 3 | Pot 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A | South Africa | Georgia | Portugal | Chile |
| B | Ireland | Australia | Samoa | Hong Kong China |
| C | France | Italy | Spain | Romania |
| D | Argentina | Scotland | Uruguay | Tonga |
| E | England | Wales | USA | Belgium |
| F | New Zealand | Fiji | Japan | Canada |
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- Manu Tuilagi now odds on to make the British & Irish Lions squad
Alun Wyn Jones and Owen Farrell included on list of worst British & Irish Lions
The British & Irish Lions is the pinnacle of a player’s career – a chance to prove yourself against the very best. But not everyone rises to the occasion.
While some have cemented their legacies in red jerseys, others have left fans wondering how they even made the squad.
From unfortunate injuries to underwhelming performances, we take a look at some of the worst Lions players across different tours, with big names like Owen Farrell and Alun Wyn Jones making the cut.
2021 tour: Owen Farrell – The forgotten playmaker
Owen Farrell, one of the most recognisable and influential players in modern rugby, endured a tour to forget in South Africa. Despite his vast experience and reputation as a leader, Farrell was named by SA Rugby Mag as the worst-performing Lion on the tour.
Initially expected to play a key role, he started three games and featured off the bench in the first two Tests.
However, as the series decider loomed, head coach Warren Gatland made a brutal call – dropping Farrell from the matchday 23 entirely. It was a stark fall from grace for a player who was once considered indispensable.
WIN A TRIP TO THE 2025 LIONS:
THE PACKAGE INCLUDES
- 2 x Return flight tickets from the UK to Australia
- 2 x Tickets to watch the 2nd Test in Melbourne
- 2 x Tickets to watch the 3rd Test in Sydney
- 4 x Night’s accommodation in Melbourne with bed & breakfast (24-27 July)
- 7 x Night’s accommodation in Sydney with bed & breakfast (28 July-3 Aug)
- 2 x Flight tickets Melbourne to Sydney including airport hotel group transfers
- 2 x Tickets to watch a private function with Lions legends
- Additional events to be announced
The winner will be part of the Lions supporters group with tour representatives on hand to oversee everything.
