World Rugby opens bid for Rugby World Cup 2035 host

World Rugby has formally opened the process to select the host country—or countries—for the Men’s Rugby World Cup 2035.

By confirming hosts eight years in advance, World Rugby aims to optimise revenue, ensure consistent delivery, and protect the tournament’s brand integrity. The approach involves close collaboration with governments, unions, and stakeholders.

The 2023 men’s World Cup in France drew over 2.3 million match attendances and set financial records. Previous tournaments have also shown hosts gaining major economic benefits, with billions in spending and strong local impact.

The bid framework emphasises commercial optimisation, operational control, contractual certainty, and transparency. The timeline includes:

• October 2025: calls for expressions of interest
• Q3 2026: detailed proposals due
• Late 2026 to early 2027: site inspections
• May 2027: preferred host identified
• November 2027: formal appointment
• Open to Single or Multi-Nation Bids

World Rugby will consider both single-country bids and multi-territory consortiums. Bids must be backed by strong government and union partnerships.

Separate Women’s Process

The selection for the women’s 2037 Rugby World Cup will follow a separate, standalone process. This is intended to better reflect the commercial growth and unique needs of the women’s game.

“Rugby World Cups are the sport’s greatest platform and the men’s edition fuels the growth and sustainability of the sport," said World Rugby Chair Brett Robinson.

"The process we are launching for 2035 sits at the very heart of our renewed strategy to grow the reach, strength and impact of the global game for our members.

"Following historic tournaments in the USA, we see 2035 as another major opportunity to unlock new audiences and additional value while ensuring Rugby World Cup continues to inspire and unite the world through rugby.”