World Rugby has vouched Australia as organizer of the men’s World Cup in 2027 and the women’s in 2029 and England has been opted to stage the 2025 women’s tourney, the governing body stated.
The United States was vouched as organizer of the men’s showpiece event in 2031 and will stage the women’s tourney 2 years later.
The organizers were finalized after a World Rugby Council meeting in Dublin.
Rugby Australia Chairman Hamish McLennan stated, “This is a historic day for rugby in Australia. We are beyond thrilled to be welcoming not one, but two World Cups to our shores.”
“It’s a game-changer for rugby in this country, a once-in-a-generation opportunity to revitalise and secure the future of the sport here and see the game we all love grow and thrive for years to come.”
Australia and England were earlier named ‘preferred candidates’ whilst the U.S. was in dialogue with World Rugby as part of a new selection model launched last year that targets to boost the growth of the sport.
Australia will stage the men’s tournament for the third time after 1987 – co-organizers with New Zealand – and 2003. England conducted the women’s event in 2010 whilst it will be the first World Cup on American land.
U.S. president Joe Biden last month backed his country’s bid, guaranteeing to promote the sport in the nation and deliver the ‘the most successful Rugby World Cups in history.’
“USA Rugby will now venture into a new era and ensure the sport’s most treasured event is a springboard for creating lasting, sustainable enthusiasm and passion for rugby from coast to coast,” USA Rugby Chief Executive Ross Young stated.
