The Race for Rugby World Cup 2031: A Glimpse into the 27 Contender Cities
World Rugby has officially unveiled a dynamic list of 27 cities and areas across the United States and one from Canada that are vying for the prestigious honor of hosting the Men’s Rugby World Cup in 2031. This announcement marks a significant step towards the U.S. hosting its first-ever Rugby World Cup, and the excitement in the rugby community is palpable.
The Cities in the Spotlight
The proposed hosting cities account for a remarkable array of 33 stadiums, each representing not just a potential venue for matches but also unique local cultures and rugby communities. Among the strong contenders is Chicago, Illinois, which recently hosted a thrilling test match between Ireland and New Zealand. This vibrant metropolis has also served as the venue for the United by Rugby Summit, further solidifying its place in the evolving landscape of American rugby.
The applicant cities are a diverse mix of iconic sports destinations and regions with burgeoning rugby scenes. They include:
- Arizona
- Atlanta
- Baltimore
- Birmingham
- Boston
- Charlotte
- Chicago
- Cincinnati
- Denver
- Houston
- Kansas City
- Los Angeles Region
- Miami
- Minneapolis
- Nashville
- New Orleans
- New York/New Jersey
- Orlando
- Philadelphia
- Pittsburgh
- Salt Lake City
- San Diego
- San Francisco Bay Area
- Seattle
- St. Louis
- Vancouver (Canada)
- Washington D.C.
This extensive list showcases the widespread enthusiasm for rugby across North America, indicating a growing base of future fans and supporters of the sport.
A Vision from World Rugby’s Leadership
World Rugby Chief Executive Alan Gilpin expressed his excitement at the overwhelming response from cities across the U.S. He remarked, “These cities and areas represent not only iconic sports destinations but also new, emerging, and existing rugby communities.” This commitment not only highlights the potential for Rugby World Cup 2031 to elevate the profile of rugby in the U.S. but also aims to foster long-lasting relationships with new audiences and commercial partners.
Cities like Chicago, which have already hosted major rugby events, stand to benefit from the valuable experience gained in organizing high-profile matches. Meanwhile, other applicants are looking to learn and grow by engaging with the experiences offered at international rugby events, like the recent Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 Finals Day held in London.
The Path Forward: Host Selection Process
As the Host Selection Process moves into its next phase, World Rugby will embark on a detailed assessment of each applicant over the coming 14 months. This process is designed to evaluate collaborations with venues while ensuring that each city meets the necessary requirements for hosting.
Feasibility visits to potential team bases are already in progress, paving the way for in-depth venue evaluations scheduled to begin in November 2025. During this phase, hosting requirements, opportunities, and the potential for long-term impacts on local rugby communities will be thoroughly examined.
Timeline and Future Prospects
The refined list of candidate cities will be announced by the end of 2026, with the ultimate selection of the host cities coming after Rugby World Cup 2027. Continued engagement throughout this process aims not just to ensure a successful tournament, but to underpin the growth and foundation of rugby throughout these regions.
A National Celebration
Gilpin’s vision for Rugby World Cup 2031 is not limited to the competition itself; he emphasizes that it will represent “a nationwide celebration of sport, community, and culture.” This vision reflects America’s unique diversity and dynamism, suggesting that the tournament will resonate not only with rugby enthusiasts but with a broader audience eager to celebrate sports and community spirit.
As the countdown begins, the anticipation for Rugby World Cup 2031 builds, promising a transformative moment for rugby in the United States.