Rugby World Cup Host Nations Confirmed Through 2033
The list of upcoming Rugby World Cup host nations is now clear through 2033, with Australia and the United States preparing to take centre stage during the next decade of international rugby.
Australia will host the men’s tournament in 2027 before welcoming the women’s competition in 2029. The United States will then make its men’s Rugby World Cup hosting debut in 2031, followed by the women’s event in 2033.
The confirmed schedule gives World Rugby a major opportunity to grow the sport in two important markets.
Rugby World Cup Host Nations for the Next Four Tournaments
Here is the confirmed hosting schedule:
- 2027 – Australia: Men’s Rugby World Cup
- 2029 – Australia: Women’s Rugby World Cup
- 2031 – United States: Men’s Rugby World Cup
- 2033 – United States: Women’s Rugby World Cup
The USA hosting the men’s tournament in 2031 will be particularly significant, as it will be the country’s first time staging the men’s Rugby World Cup.
Why Australia and the USA Matter
Australia is already one of rugby’s traditional nations and has extensive experience hosting major sporting events. The 2027 men’s tournament will give the country another opportunity to showcase rugby to a worldwide audience.
The USA represents a different kind of opportunity. Rugby has been growing in the country, and hosting the 2031 men’s World Cup could help introduce the sport to a much larger American audience.
World Rugby has also highlighted the importance of working closely with host countries to improve commercial performance, fan engagement and investment in the sport.
What About the 2035 Rugby World Cup?
The next men’s tournament without a confirmed host is the 2035 Rugby World Cup.
Several countries and regions have been linked with the possibility of hosting the event. Spain and Japan have expressed interest, while discussions have also included the possibility of taking the tournament to South America.
Argentina and other South American rugby nations could potentially form part of a future bid.
Italy has also previously shown interest in hosting a Rugby World Cup, giving World Rugby another possible European option.
Could South Africa Host the 2035 Rugby World Cup?
South Africa is another name likely to attract attention when discussions about 2035 become more serious.
The Springboks’ home World Cup triumph in 1995 remains one of the most memorable moments in rugby history. However, South Africa has not hosted the men’s tournament again since then.
That does not mean South Africa has been confirmed or officially selected for 2035. Any potential bid would still need to go through World Rugby’s hosting process.
England Could Also Enter the Conversation
England is another major rugby market that could be considered for a future tournament.
The country last hosted the men’s Rugby World Cup in 2015, while Twickenham and other major venues already have experience with international rugby.
However, being a strong candidate in discussions is very different from being an officially confirmed bidder.
Rugby’s Hosting Landscape Is Changing
The upcoming Rugby World Cup host nations show how World Rugby is looking beyond traditional rugby markets.
Australia has a strong rugby history, while the USA provides an opportunity to take the men’s tournament into one of the world’s largest sports markets.
The competition for 2035 could become equally interesting, with European, Asian, African and South American options potentially entering the conversation.
For now, the confirmed picture is straightforward: Australia hosts the men’s World Cup in 2027, Australia hosts the women’s tournament in 2029, the USA stages the men’s event in 2031 and the USA follows with the women’s World Cup in 2033.
The big question now is which country will become the Rugby World Cup host nation for 2035?
