U.S. Awarded 2031, 2033 Rugby World Cups; Nashville Named As Possible Host City

The United States has been named the host country for the 2031 men’s Rugby World Cup and 2033 women’s Rugby World Cup, the World Rugby Council announced on Thursday (May 12) morning.

The council unanimously approved the staging of Rugby World Cup in the U.S. as well as other nations. This will be the first time the men’s Rugby World Cup has ever been played in the Western Hemisphere and the second for the women’s tournament (WRWC was hosted in Canada in 2006.)

“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 realize its global potential on and off the field, driving significant social and economic benefits for host nations,” said World Rugby Chairman Sir Bill Beaumont.

It was announced England will host the women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 and that Australia will host men’s Rugby World Cup in 2027 and women’s Rugby World Cup in 2029. The U.S. and Australia are the first-ever countries to be awarded both premier tournaments in the same country over a two-year period.

“I speak for the rugby community and fans across the United States when I express our sincere gratitude to World Rugby for their trust and endorsement of our vision to grow this incredible sport exponentially across our country,” said USA Rugby Chief Executive Ross Young.

“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,” added Young. “We look forward to partnering with World Rugby in the years ahead to ensure that our preparations for these tournaments and the events themselves are a paradigm-shifting catalyst for the growth of our sport, not only here in the United States but around the world.”

Nashville joined USA Rugby’s effort to bring the international Rugby tournament to America and is one of the top host city choices, according to a release from October of 2021.

“We were honored to be asked to support the U.S. bid as a potential host city. Now that the U.S. has been selected, we will be diligent in our efforts to be one of the cities to host games during the third largest sporting event in the world,” said Butch Spyridon, CEO, Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp in a statement to The Sports Credential.

The U.S. along with Mexico and Canada are set to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup and Nashville is bidding on becoming a host city for the soccer tournament as well.

Music City will be a prime candidate for both the FIFA and Rugby World Cup tournaments when the Titans build a new football, modern and state-of-the-art stadium.

Steven Boero