With the 2027 tournament secured by Australia and 2031 heading to the United States, the global governing body, World Rugby, is already engaged in the intricate geopolitics of selecting the host for the 2035 Rugby World Cup (RWC). This decision is not merely about stadium capacity; it represents a strategic choice regarding market expansion, financial stability, and the spirit of the game. The race has officially commenced, featuring both traditional rugby territories and ambitious emerging nations.
The Call for a European Return: Spain Takes the Lead
World Rugby’s CEO, Alan Gilpin, has publicly expressed the organization`s desire to bring the prestigious event back to Europe following a decade-long absence. This sentiment immediately elevates the European bids, grounding the competition in familiar geographic and logistical territory.
The primary European frontrunner is Spain. The President of the Spanish Rugby Federation, Carlos Hansen, has formally confirmed the submission of their application. Spain represents a compelling blend of established European infrastructure and a rapidly growing domestic interest in the sport. Hosting the RWC would serve as a powerful catalyst for Spanish rugby, replicating the kind of national excitement seen when the tournament visits Tier 1 nations.
Italy`s Persistent Bid: A Sisyphean Task?
Spain is closely rivaled by Italy. Italy’s position is unique and arguably poignant: they are the only nation in the Six Nations Championship that has never hosted the pinnacle event of the sport. Despite having submitted bids twice previously, their attempts have proven unsuccessful. Marzio Innocenti, a senior executive within the Italian Rugby Federation, has confirmed their readiness to host either the 2035 or 2039 tournament.
While Italy offers proven capacity to manage large international sporting events, their persistence in bidding—only to be overlooked—is becoming a notable subplot in the RWC history books. One might speculate that 2035 represents their most realistic opportunity to finally break this streak, allowing them to transform decades of planning into tangible hosting reality.
The Disruptors: Wealth and Ambition in the Middle East
The pursuit of global sporting dominance has drawn significant interest from the Gulf region, where financial muscle and massive infrastructure investment promise unique opportunities for World Rugby. Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar have all voiced their ambition to host the tournament.
These bids are characterized by two core elements: significant financial guarantees and the promise of a vast, untapped market for rugby viewership and participation. While the Middle Eastern nations offer state-of-the-art facilities and guaranteed logistical precision, World Rugby must weigh the benefits of market disruption against the traditional geographic appeal and established rugby culture of European candidates.
Simultaneously, the appetite for major events remains strong in Asia, with Japan—successful hosts in 2019—throwing their hat back into the ring for 2035, demonstrating that Asia is now firmly on the rotation map.
The Pan-American Collaboration and the Economic Reality Check
Beyond Europe and the Middle East, the Americas are preparing a unified challenge. Argentina is spearheading a collaborative bid, seeking to leverage the support and infrastructure of neighboring rugby territories, including Brazil, Uruguay, and Chile. This multi-nation approach is an attempt to spread the significant financial and logistical burden, offering a culturally rich, cohesive South American rugby experience.
Interestingly, one expected contender has withdrawn its candidacy: South Africa. Despite the nation’s deep rugby heritage, the leadership of SA Rugby conceded that the current economic climate makes the logistical and financial commitment required for such a large-scale event untenable. This pragmatic decision highlights the sheer magnitude of resources—both public and private—that hosting the RWC now demands, serving as a sobering economic indicator for other aspiring hosts.
Conclusion: The Path to November 2027
The 2035 Rugby World Cup host selection is shaping up to be a deeply complex negotiation between historical precedent, economic potential, and strategic market growth. World Rugby is faced with a choice between solidifying the game’s roots in Europe (Spain/Italy), pioneering new, deep-pocketed markets (Gulf States), or empowering the Southern Hemisphere through regional cooperation (Argentina-led coalition).
The global rugby community will not have to wait long for resolution. The host country for the 2035 tournament is scheduled to be formally announced in November 2027, shortly after the conclusion of the Australian RWC. Until then, the intricate dance of diplomacy, feasibility studies, and political maneuvering will continue to define this high-stakes contest.
