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Bids open to host 2035 men's rugby World Cup next month

By Mark Mansfield
South Africa's Damian Willemse celebrates with The Webb Ellis Cup after winning the Rugby World Cup in 2023. Photo Adam Davy/PA

World Rugby has launched the official process for the selection of the hosts for the men’s World Cup in 2035.

Expressions of interest will be opened for applicants from October this year, with preferred hosts identified in May 2027 ahead of a final decision from the World Rugby Council in November 2027.

Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar are reportedly set to make a joint bid for the showpiece tournament, while Spain and Italy are also both said to be considering putting themselves forward.

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'Renewed strategy'

World Rugby Chair Brett Robinson said: “The process we are launching for 2035 sits at the very heart of our renewed strategy to grow the reach, strength and impact of the global game for our members.

“Following historic tournaments in the USA, we see 2035 as another major opportunity to unlock new audiences and additional value while ensuring Rugby World Cup continues to inspire and unite the world through rugby.”

The next Men's Rugby World Cup in 2027 will be held in Australia.

The tournament is scheduled to take place from October 1 to November 13, 2027, and will feature an expanded format with 24 teams for the first time. The USA hosts the 2031 tournament after being the only nation to bid.

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6 comments

Peter J

Whoever it goes to, I predict a QF exit for the irish

Reply
J Jones

Remember they won only one Grand Slam over 3 different centuries, but they were weak in those days - impoverished country with rugby in their few private schools. Money does eventually bring success and they also have the right structure now, but in 2023 9 of their 11 home produced players in the quarter final went to private schools, 8 around Dublin. I'd call this failure the England effect.

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Johnny

That sounds like something you would expect to read in the letters page of the Sun Newspaper.

Reply

In reply to Johnny

J Jones

I wouldn't know as I've never seen it, but I've heard it's mostly pictures for very sad trolls.

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Christine Jones

I think the WRU should put in a bid. That said, by 2035 we will be down to one region, having jettisoned our second region after losing 18-13 to Qatar in 2031 Autumn Internationals. By that time, having sold the Principality Stadium to Ticketmaster, Cymru's home matches will be transferred to Llanrumney Sports Fields, or, as it has been renamed, the Collier-Keywood Astroturf Bowl. But every cloud has a silver lining as Prince George, the new Prince of Wales, has promised to attend some matches.

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J Jones

As Richard Collier-Keywood was associating with England Rugby shortly before moving in on Welsh rugby, he's obviously following their recent directive of "never miss an opportunity brought by a disaster". That disaster report brought to us by Quentin Smith and Maggie Alphonsi, also from England rugby, and with a massive axe to grind.

Reply

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Replying to Peter J Cancel

Whoever it goes to, I predict a QF exit for the irish

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