Following the established rotation that sees the 2027 tournament hosted by Australia and the 2031 event taken by the United States, the focus of the global rugby community is already shifting to 2035. The selection process for the host nation for the eleventh edition of the Rugby World Cup is shaping up to be a geopolitical and financial contest that will define the future trajectory of the sport.
World Rugby faces a strategic decision: whether to consolidate the game`s strength in established European strongholds or to accelerate market penetration in high-capital, emerging regions. The confirmed and intended bids offer a compelling contrast in both philosophy and execution.
The European Mandate: A Return to Core Territories
World Rugby’s executive leadership, notably General Director Alan Gilpin, has previously expressed a clear preference for the tournament to return to Europe in 2035. This sentiment is driven by logistical reliability, predictable fan engagement, and capitalizing on established rugby infrastructure.
Spain: The Primary Challenger
Spain has emerged as a frontrunner, confirming its intention to submit a formal bid. The Spanish Rugby Federation (FER), under President Carlos Hansen, views the 2035 RWC as a pivotal tool for elevating the sport`s profile domestically and achieving long-term sustainability. While Spanish rugby currently operates outside the top tier of major European nations, the country possesses advanced general sporting infrastructure, including large, modern stadia capable of hosting major events, honed by years of international football and Olympic aspirations.
Italy: The Unlucky Six Nations Member
Italy, the only current Six Nations participant never to host the pinnacle event, is also throwing its hat into the ring, targeting either 2035 or 2039. Federation executive Marzio Innocenti confirmed their readiness to proceed. The Italian bids have historically struggled to gain traction, having previously failed twice. The technical argument against Italy often centers on the dispersion and optimization of existing rugby infrastructure. However, the emotional case for granting a Six Nations founding member the opportunity to host its flagship tournament remains a significant, if often underestimated, factor.
The Gulf Ambitions: Expanding the Market Footprint
A substantial challenge to the European vision comes from the Middle East, specifically the Persian Gulf states. Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have each independently signaled their interest. These bids are not merely sporting initiatives; they are part of wider national strategies focusing on massive investment in global sports assets, aimed at diversifying economies and enhancing international soft power.
From World Rugby`s perspective, these nations represent enormous, untapped markets and a source of significant capital injection. Hosting the RWC in the Gulf would radically alter the tournament`s financial parameters, prioritizing economic expansion over traditional fan base metrics. The logistical feasibility is high, given the region’s proven capacity for rapidly building and operating high-specification infrastructure, as demonstrated in prior major global events. The strategic decision here is whether the risk associated with transplanting the RWC into a non-traditional rugby territory is offset by the unparalleled financial benefits.
The Global Contenders: Asia and the Americas
The field is not restricted to Europe and the Middle East, with two other significant regions presenting compelling cases:
Japan: The Proven Success
Japan, which successfully hosted the 2019 RWC, expressed its desire to re-enter the hosting race in late 2025. Japan offers World Rugby a low-risk, high-return option. The tournament infrastructure is current, the logistical management proved exemplary in 2019, and the event demonstrated a powerful capability to grow rugby fandom across Asia. This bid acts as a vital benchmark against which the emerging markets must be measured.
The South American Consortium
A joint bid spearheaded by Argentina, with support from neighboring nations Brazil, Uruguay, and Chile, offers a unique opportunity for regional development. While Argentina is the established powerhouse, a collaborative South American hosting arrangement would significantly boost the game`s profile across the continent. This bid appeals to the development mandate of World Rugby, focusing on deepening the game’s roots rather than simply broadening its financial reach.
South Africa’s Strategic Withdrawal
Noticeably absent from the list of confirmed bidders is South Africa. While a traditional and highly successful rugby nation, the leadership of SA Rugby indicated that the nation`s current economic climate does not support undertaking a commitment of the magnitude required to host the 2035 RWC. This pragmatic assessment removes a major competitor but emphasizes the economic strain hosting requirements place even on established Tier 1 nations.
The Stakes and the Decision Timeline
The bidding process for the 2035 RWC is more than a simple venue selection; it is a profound choice regarding the sport`s identity in the mid-21st century. The eventual host will determine if World Rugby prioritizes strategic European return, aggressive financial expansion via the Middle East, or the consolidation of emerging markets in Asia and South America.
Rugby enthusiasts and analysts will have to wait until **November 2027**—immediately following the conclusion of the Australian tournament—to learn the identity of the nation entrusted with hosting the 2035 Rugby World Cup.
Percy Harlow