The scramble for the 2035 Rugby World Cup hosting rights is on fire, with nations throwing their hats into the ring for a chance to host rugby's crown jewel. With Australia set for 2027 and the USA on deck for 2031, the focus is now shifting to who will grab the baton in 2035. World Rugby CEO Alan Gilpin has previously expressed a strong desire to bring the tournament back to European soil, and it looks like several contenders are ready to rise to the occasion.
Spain, through the voice of Carlos Hansen, president of the Real Federación Española de Rugby, has officially declared its candidacy. This announcement heats up the competition, especially with a Middle Eastern coalition of Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE also eyeing the prize. Not to be outdone, Japan has thrown its name back in the hat following a successful 2019 World Cup stint, while whispers of an ambitious South American bid led by Argentina, with Uruguay, Chile, and Brazil joining forces, are growing louder.
However, Europe still has more cards to play. Italy, ever eager to host its first Rugby World Cup, has been vocal about its aspirations. Marzio Innocenti, director of Federazione Italiana Rugby, has confirmed Italy’s interest in hosting either the 2035 or 2039 editions. Meanwhile, South Africa, having last hosted in 1995, is considering re-entering the fray after previous financial concerns.
In a recent statement, Hansen expressed his enthusiasm and determination for Spain's bid.
"Years are coming where we want to change, we want to keep working to improve this rugby, and I confirm to you that we’ve been nominated and assigned as candidates to organize the 2035 World Cup,"
he announced in a video on the union’s social media channels.
A potential Spanish World Cup would not only mark a return for the national team, which last appeared in the global meet in 1999 and faced disqualifications in 2019 and 2023 due to eligibility issues, but it could also bring the game to legendary football venues like Santiago Bernabeu and Camp Nou. The vision of rugby balls flying in these iconic stadiums adds an enticing layer to Spain's bid, promising a blend of passion and spectacle that could rejuvenate the sport's landscape in the country.
As the bids assemble and strategies are drawn, the 2035 Rugby World Cup is shaping up to be a fiercely contested accolade. The coming months will no doubt reveal more about which nation will ultimately secure the rights to host a tournament that promises to be as thrilling off the field as it is on it.
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The scramble for the 2035 Rugby World Cup hosting rights is on fire, with nations throwing their hats into the ring for a chance to host rugby's crown jewel. With Australia set for 2027 and the USA on deck for 2031, the focus is now shifting to who will grab the baton in 2035. World Rugby CEO Alan Gilpin has previously expressed a strong desire to bring the tournament back to European soil, and it looks like several contenders are ready to rise to the occasion.
Spain, through the voice of Carlos Hansen, president of the Real Federación Española de Rugby, has officially declared its candidacy. This announcement heats up the competition, especially with a Middle Eastern coalition of Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE also eyeing the prize. Not to be outdone, Japan has thrown its name back in the hat following a successful 2019 World Cup stint, while whispers of an ambitious South American bid led by Argentina, with Uruguay, Chile, and Brazil joining forces, are growing louder.
However, Europe still has more cards to play. Italy, ever eager to host its first Rugby World Cup, has been vocal about its aspirations. Marzio Innocenti, director of Federazione Italiana Rugby, has confirmed Italy’s interest in hosting either the 2035 or 2039 editions. Meanwhile, South Africa, having last hosted in 1995, is considering re-entering the fray after previous financial concerns.
In a recent statement, Hansen expressed his enthusiasm and determination for Spain's bid.
"Years are coming where we want to change, we want to keep working to improve this rugby, and I confirm to you that we’ve been nominated and assigned as candidates to organize the 2035 World Cup,"
he announced in a video on the union’s social media channels.A potential Spanish World Cup would not only mark a return for the national team, which last appeared in the global meet in 1999 and faced disqualifications in 2019 and 2023 due to eligibility issues, but it could also bring the game to legendary football venues like Santiago Bernabeu and Camp Nou. The vision of rugby balls flying in these iconic stadiums adds an enticing layer to Spain's bid, promising a blend of passion and spectacle that could rejuvenate the sport's landscape in the country.
As the bids assemble and strategies are drawn, the 2035 Rugby World Cup is shaping up to be a fiercely contested accolade. The coming months will no doubt reveal more about which nation will ultimately secure the rights to host a tournament that promises to be as thrilling off the field as it is on it.