Preferred Candidates appointed for Rugby World Cups 2025 & 2027

The World Rugby Council has approved revisions to the Rugby World Cup host selection process it was confirmed on November 24, 2021. This means that exclusive Preferred Candidate status for Rugby World Cups have been awarded to England for RWC 2025, and Australia for Rugby World Cup 2027.

In addition, World Rugby has said that the USA will enter into exclusive targeted dialogue for Rugby World Cup 2031.

Preferred Candidates – Rugby World Cups

World Rugby Chairman, Sir Bill Beaumont commented: “The new approach to electing Rugby World Cup hosts is more flexible and collaborative, with World Rugby working with potential hosts to optimise their Rugby World Cup proposals and align them with long-term social and economic development plans for the benefit of their communities and the future expansion of the sport.”

The new models are aimed at “building meaningful partnerships between World Rugby and potential host countries.” The governing body added this will “deliver greater alignment between future Rugby World Cup hosts and World Rugby’s long-term goals, while delivering an exceptional experience for players and fans.”

Rugby World Cup 2021 And 2023 Broadcaster

The new Rugby World Cup model will see World Rugby take more direct responsibility for the delivery of the pinnacle events. There is a key focus on:

• A revised approach built on business partnerships to unlock new revenue streams and maximise financial and social outcomes for hosts.
• The new model will accelerate the sport’s global ambitions.
• Unlock greater value for hosts and global rugby development,
• A strong emphasis on building sustainable relationships with host countries and broadening fan and commercial appeal.

RWC 2025 – England  -Preferred Candidate Rugby World Cup

RFU CEO Bill Sweeney said: “We are delighted to have been awarded Preferred Candidate status for Rugby World Cup 2025. Hosting it will be incredible, our ambition is to stage the best-attended women’s RWC ever, with nationwide qualifiers and a sellout final at Twickenham Stadium.

We are looking forward to working with World Rugby and Government to make this happen. We will now focus all our bidding efforts on securing these games and wish Australia and the USA every success with their plans to host future Rugby World Cups.

“Women’s rugby is growing exponentially and securing RWC 2025 will significantly support our aggressive growth targets for the women’s game while further advancing all women’s sport. In addition, Rugby World Cup will deliver significant economic and legacy returns for the whole country.”

Rugby World Cup 2027 – Australia – Preferred Candidate Rugby World Cup

Rugby Australia Chairman Hamish McLennan said: “We welcome today’s announcement and thank the World Rugby Council for the trust they have demonstrated in the team at Rugby Australia and the vision for Australia 2027.

“We look forward to working with our colleagues at World Rugby over the coming months to develop the model for Rugby World Cup 2027. This is an exciting opportunity to shape a tournament that will continue the growth of our great game across Australia, the Pacific and globally and showcase our country to the world.

Rugby World Cup 2031 – USA

The World Rugby Council additionally voted to implement a series of exclusive discussions with the USA in relation to Rugby World Cup 2031 hosting.

World Rugby added that the USA “will require a unique and extended approach that will require extensive further dialogue with key stakeholders. This dialogue will take place with a view to developing the most effective hosting model for a Rugby World Cup in North America and the global game in the long-term.”

USA Rugby Chief Executive, Ross Young said: “This is a positive next step for the USA as we elevate exclusive discussions with World Rugby and our stakeholders around a successful campaign for Rugby World Cup 2031.

The United States is an emerging rugby market primed with potential that we’re excited to unlock and strategically partner in the most effective way. With USA cities, commissions and stakeholders eager to support a USA-hosted Rugby World Cup, this targeted dialogue opens a new door for collaboration and progress, ultimately fuelling an optimistic future for USA Rugby and the global game.”

Photo Credit: Getty Images

Rugby World Cup 2029

A number of interested parties are in discussion regarding hosting the women’s edition of the Rugby World Cup in 2029.

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