Rugby union’s global governing body World Rugby has confirmed the locations for the next three women’s and two men’s Rugby World Cups. At its annual meeting in Dublin, Ireland, on 12 May the World Rugby Council unanimously approved the staging of the Rugby World Cup in the following countries:
- England to host Rugby World Cup 2025 (women’s)
- 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 chairman Bill Beaumont said: “We have approved three exceptional Rugby World Cup host nations – England, Australia and USA – providing unprecedented certainty and an unparalleled opportunity to accelerate the growth and impact of rugby globally. It is great for rugby, for fans and for the host nations.
“The confirmation of host locations is supported by a new partnership approach to event delivery, that will power long-term, sustainable development, including in the USA and across the women’s game, enabling the sport to realise its global potential on and off the field, driving significant social and economic benefits for host nations.
“Today is a landmark moment for the sport, and an exciting development for fans. I would like to congratulate everyone involved in making this dream a reality as we look to deliver a truly global sport for all.”
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.
“We look forward to continuing our engagement with the host partners to deliver the stage for the world’s best players to perform and a festival to excite and engage fans from around the world, growing the rugby movement together in a responsible and sustainable way.”
Japan held the last men’s Rugby World Cup in 2019 and France will host the next men’s event in 2023. The women’s Rugby World Cup 2021 was postponed due to Covid-19 and will take place this year in New Zealand.
Main image: the women’s Rugby World Cup trophy and the Webb Ellis Cup, the men’s trophy (Oisin Keniry/World Rugby/World Rugby via Getty Images)