Representatives from dozens of U.S. cities attended a summit hosted by World Rugby in Washington DC to discuss details of the potential hosting of the men’s Rugby World Cup in 2031 and the women’s Rugby World Cup in 2033.
World Rugby believes there is a huge market for the sport in the United States and estimates that it could generate US$80 billion (AU$118 billion) in economic opportunities in the United States over the next twenty years.
Cities such as Atlanta, Dallas, Las Vegas and Los Angeles have expressed interest in helping to host the international tournament when it is held in North America for the first time.
“We are delighted today to welcome more than 30 great U.S. cities and states who have expressed interest in helping us make history with the 2031 and 2033 Rugby World Cups,” World Rugby CEO Alan Gilpin said in a statement.
“With an estimated 55 million fans in the United States, 800,000 registered players and over 3,100 registered clubs, rugby is already very vibrant and active in the United States.
“United by rugby, we will use the two tournaments to shine a spotlight on the men’s and women’s game and show the rest of the world what the USA has to offer in rugby and how these two tournaments can help sustainably grow the game for the future.”
The United States acquired hosting rights for the 2031 and 2033 tournaments in May 2022, when World Rugby unveiled its 11-year hosting plans.
The success of the 2019 Men’s World Cup in Japan showed that the sport can flourish outside its traditional strongholds such as England, New Zealand and Australia, it said.
England will host the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup and Australia will host the 2027 Men’s Rugby World Cup and the 2029 Women’s Rugby World Cup.
Rugby sevens will be played at the upcoming Olympic Games in Paris and at the 2028 Los Angeles Games.