Upcoming Rugby World Cups (Post # 1)

I have been ignoring the decision as to where the Rugby World Cup 2029 (women’s) and 2031 (men’s) will be played, but I don’t think I can ignore it any longer. On May 12, World Rugby is having a conference call to discuss the 2029 and 2031 decision, along with the decision on the 2027 (men’s) and 2025 (women’s) cups.

Apparently, Australia is the front runner for the 2027 men’s Rugby World Cup. Or, as it is called officially, the Rugby World Cup 2027, since the gender designation has been removed. And England is the front runner for the Rugby World Cup 2025 (yeah, the Women’s version).

2025 in England makes sense for the women. England has developed into a juggernaut recently, drawing record breaking crowds in the TikTok 6Nations, and putting an increasing professional product on the field. The 2021 Cup, delayed by the pandemic, will be played in New Zealand this October and November.

Australia as host in 2027 would be a return to the Southern Hemisphere for the men, as the Aussies successfully hosted in 2003. It would be a boost for the Australians, where the Union code seems to run some distance between League and Aussie Rules and a host of other competitors.

Furthermore, if the social media postings are to be believed, the USA is now the front runner for the 2031 and 2033 Cups. (as Australia might take the 2029 tournament after all. )

Tomorrow, Post # 2 will discuss why having the 2031 Men’s Cup in the USA will be an fantastic (or horrendous) decision.