The United States has taken a further step towards a bid to host the Rugby World Cup, after the International Federation (World Rugby) approved the feasibility study on its project, USA Rugby announced Thursday. .
World Rugby is expected to announce the host countries for the 2027 and 2031 World Cups in May 2022, as well as the 2025 and 2029 Women's Rugby World Cups.
USA Rugby has said the United States will be candidates for the men's 2027 and 2031 and women's 2029 tournaments. Australia is nonetheless considered a favorite to host Worlds-2027, with Russia being the only other country along with the United States. United to have expressed interest after Argentina abandoned its project.
“The next exciting steps are only just beginning in planning the campaign,” said Ross Young, general manager of USA Rugby, in a statement.
Rugby has seen a steady growth in its popularity in the United States in recent years, with the launch of a professional league and organized test matches, such as Ireland's victory over New Zealand in 2016, which s was played in sold-out Chicago's Soldier Field.
World Rugby, eager to increase the audience for its sport in the world, had chosen Japan to organize the World Cup in 2019. It was the first time that this event had taken place outside of Europe, of the Australia, New Zealand and South Africa.
"We think it would be desirable for there to be a good application from the United States," said the executive director of the body in November 2020, stressing "a market with immense growth potential, whether in terms of players or supporters and for commercial income ”.
