US confirmed as 2031 Rugby World Cup host despite concerns
Alan Gilpin, chief executive of World Rugby, has reaffirmed that the United States will host the men’s Rugby World Cup in 2031. Despite doubts about the sport’s popularity and infrastructure in the US, the decision remains unchanged. The country is also set to host the women’s World Cup in 2033. Discussions at the recent summit focused on the sport’s rules and fan engagement.
Match highlights
- Alan Gilpin stated the US will host the 2031 men’s Rugby World Cup, and the decision is “set in stone” following the World Rugby Council’s resolution in May 2022.
- The US team, the Eagles, is ranked 16th in the world and recently lost 85-0 to Scotland in November.
- Major League Rugby in the US has shrunk to six teams after four clubs left the competition.
- The US is also scheduled to host the women’s World Cup in 2033.
- Concerns from French rugby officials about potential changes to the sport’s rules were not discussed at the recent summit, according to World Rugby chairman Brett Robinson.
