Potential Rugby World Cup host cities descend on Washington DC

Potential Rugby World Cup host cities in the US have convened in Washington DC for a summit with World Rugby and USA Rugby.

World Rugby and USA Rugby welcomed representatives from various US cities and states to discuss the possibility of becoming official host cities for the Men's Rugby World Cup 2031 and the Women's Rugby World Cup 2033.

This summit marks significant progress as North America prepares to host these prestigious events for the first time.

Over 100 representatives from more than 30 cities and state entities attended the Rugby World Cup Host City Summit. They heard directly from World Rugby, USA Rugby, and other stakeholders about bidding requirements. Additionally, notable rugby figures shared insights about the tournament's potential and global impact.

The event also had support from the congressional rugby caucus.

Cities and states expressing interest in hosting included Atlanta GA, Austin TX, Baltimore MD, Birmingham AL, Boston MA, Charlotte NC, Chicago IL, Dallas TX, Denver CO, Houston TX, Kansas City MO, Las Vegas NV, Los Angeles CA, Miami FL, Minneapolis MN, Nashville TN, New Orleans LA, New York NY, Orlando FL, Philadelphia PA, Phoenix AZ, Pittsburgh PA, Salt Lake City UT, San Diego CA, San Francisco CA, Seattle WA, and Washington DC.

The summit featured presentations on the opportunities and scale of the two Rugby World Cup tournaments, discussions on global and US rugby trends, and details on the city bidding process. Representatives from the US Dept. of State discussed logistics such as visas, safety, security, and transport.

Panelists included Abby Gustaitis, USA rugby sevens Olympian, Angela Ruggiero, US ice hockey Olympian and World Rugby Executive Board Member, Nate Ebner, three-time NFL Superbowl winner and USA rugby sevens Olympian, and Blaine Scully, former US Men's Fifteens Captain. They discussed current trends in rugby and shared their Rugby World Cup experiences. Presentations were also made by James Rothwell, World Rugby Chief Marketing and Content Officer, and Dan Migala, Legends Co-President and Chief Revenue Officer, on the evolution of sport in the USA and its commercialization.

World Rugby Chief Executive Alan Gilpin expressed his delight at welcoming more than 30 US cities and states interested in hosting the Rugby World Cups in 2031 and 2033.

“Today we were delighted to welcome more than 30 amazing US cities and States who have expressed an interest in helping us create history with Rugby World Cups in 2031 and 2033," said Gilpin. "With an estimated 55 million fans in the US, 800,000 registered players and over 3,100 registered clubs, rugby is already very much alive and kicking in the US. United by rugby, we will be using the two tournaments to shine a spotlight on the men’s and women’s game to show the rest of the world what the US has to offer for rugby and how these two tournaments can help grow the game sustainably for the future.”

World Rugby estimates that the sport could generate $80 billion in economic opportunities in the USA over the next 20 years, which would be reinvested to grow the game nationally and globally.

USA Rugby CEO Bill Goren emphasized the strong demand for rugby in the USA, noting that the country has the third highest number of rugby participants globally.

"To bring the world’s third biggest sporting tournament – the Rugby World Cup – to the world’s most passionate sports market is an opportunity that needs to be grasped with both hands to grow this fantastic game in the US," said Goren.

“Using this as a catalyst to drive sustainable generational investment and growth for the game, rooted in grassroots participation in women’s and men’s rugby, beginning with colleges and the NCAA, is going to be our focus over the next decade and we’re confident the World Cups in 2031and 2033 will be the best-ever Rugby World Cups. Rugby fans will fall in love with the USA and the USA will fall further in love with rugby.”

Congressional Rugby Caucus Co-Chair Congressman Alex X. Mooney expressed excitement about the potential impact of the Rugby World Cups in the USA: "Congressional Rugby Caucus Co-Chair Congressman Alex X. Mooney (R-WV), said: “As a former rugby player and founding member of the Congressional Rugby Caucus, it’s personally and professionally exciting to welcome World Rugby, Rugby USA and all the prospective host cities to Capitol Hill for this important tournament summit. The Men’s Rugby World Cup 2031 and the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2033 in the USA will be great sporting moments for our country and help with the development of a sport I, and so many other Americans, love. The Rugby Caucus will be supporting tournament organizers and host cities all the way as we look to develop the game and deliver an exceptional tournament for fans when the tournament begins.”

The USA won the hosting rights for the 2031 and 2033 tournaments in May 2022 as part of World Rugby's 11-year hosting plans. The success of the Men's Rugby World Cup 2019 in Japan demonstrated the viability of holding the tournament outside traditional rugby strongholds and attracting new commercial sponsorships and revenue streams.