SA Rugby CEO Rian Oberholzer has cast a shadow of doubt over the future prospects of New Zealand and South Africa hosting the Rugby World Cup again, citing the inability of these nations to generate sufficient revenue from the event. Despite their historical success in the tournament, with the Springboks and All Blacks collectively clinching seven titles, the financial viability of hosting the world spectacle seems bleak.
New Zealand first hosted the inaugural tournament jointly with Australia in 1987 and again on their own in 2011. South Africa's sole hosting was in 1995, with subsequent bids to host falling short, the latest being in 2023 to France. With upcoming World Cups slated for Australia in 2027 and the USA thereafter, Oberholzer's recent comments have dampened hopes of the tournament returning to either South Africa or New Zealand anytime soon.
"The Rugby World Cup is the only revenue stream for World Rugby that must fund the whole ecosystem,"
Oberholzer explained. He continued to outline the economic rationale behind the selection of host nations, emphasizing that World Rugby needs to maximize profits to support its member unions globally. This strategic financial necessity drives the governing body to favor locations where governmental support and revenue potential are highest, such as America, Europe, and potentially the Middle East.
Oberholzer further underscored the shift in World Rugby's approach from equitable hosting opportunities towards a revenue-centric model.
"A World Cup in New Zealand and South Africa will not make the money that World Rugby needs a World Cup to generate,"
he stated, indicating a pragmatic, albeit disheartening reality for the rugby communities in these nations.
The discussion around future hosts continues as various countries express their interest. Spain and Japan have thrown their hats in the ring for 2035, alongside a potential joint bid from South American countries including Argentina, Uruguay, Chile, and Brazil. Additionally, Italy and several Middle Eastern nations are eyeing opportunities to host the prestigious event, further illustrating the global competition for the lucrative hosting rights.
The change in World Rugby's hosting philosophy might be a bitter pill to swallow for traditional rugby powerhouses like New Zealand and South Africa. However, in the high-stakes game of international sports events, it appears that financial imperatives are tipping the scales, potentially sidelining the spirit of global rotation that once characterized the Rugby World Cup’s ethos.
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SA Rugby CEO Rian Oberholzer has cast a shadow of doubt over the future prospects of New Zealand and South Africa hosting the Rugby World Cup again, citing the inability of these nations to generate sufficient revenue from the event. Despite their historical success in the tournament, with the Springboks and All Blacks collectively clinching seven titles, the financial viability of hosting the world spectacle seems bleak.
New Zealand first hosted the inaugural tournament jointly with Australia in 1987 and again on their own in 2011. South Africa's sole hosting was in 1995, with subsequent bids to host falling short, the latest being in 2023 to France. With upcoming World Cups slated for Australia in 2027 and the USA thereafter, Oberholzer's recent comments have dampened hopes of the tournament returning to either South Africa or New Zealand anytime soon.
"The Rugby World Cup is the only revenue stream for World Rugby that must fund the whole ecosystem,"
Oberholzer explained. He continued to outline the economic rationale behind the selection of host nations, emphasizing that World Rugby needs to maximize profits to support its member unions globally. This strategic financial necessity drives the governing body to favor locations where governmental support and revenue potential are highest, such as America, Europe, and potentially the Middle East.Oberholzer further underscored the shift in World Rugby's approach from equitable hosting opportunities towards a revenue-centric model.
"A World Cup in New Zealand and South Africa will not make the money that World Rugby needs a World Cup to generate,"
he stated, indicating a pragmatic, albeit disheartening reality for the rugby communities in these nations.The discussion around future hosts continues as various countries express their interest. Spain and Japan have thrown their hats in the ring for 2035, alongside a potential joint bid from South American countries including Argentina, Uruguay, Chile, and Brazil. Additionally, Italy and several Middle Eastern nations are eyeing opportunities to host the prestigious event, further illustrating the global competition for the lucrative hosting rights.
The change in World Rugby's hosting philosophy might be a bitter pill to swallow for traditional rugby powerhouses like New Zealand and South Africa. However, in the high-stakes game of international sports events, it appears that financial imperatives are tipping the scales, potentially sidelining the spirit of global rotation that once characterized the Rugby World Cup’s ethos.