The host countries of the next five Rugby World Cups are known.
While France is hosting the men's edition in 2023, the following ones will be held in Australia (2027) then in the United States (2031), a first for this country.
For women, after New Zealand at the end of 2022, an appointment is then made in England (2025), Australia (2029) then the United States (2033).
Unsurprisingly, the World Rugby Council, meeting Thursday in Dublin, nominated the candidates who had already enjoyed the status of "preferred candidate" for many months.
"Today we have named three exceptional Rugby World Cup host nations - England, Australia and the United States - offering unprecedented certainty and a unique opportunity to drive the growth and reach of the rugby in the world”, rejoiced the president of the authority Bill Beaumont.
"Confirmation of these destinations is based on a new partnership approach to tournament delivery, which will foster sustainable development, particularly in the United States and for women's rugby, allowing the sport to fulfill its potential on and off the field. and generating significant socio-economic benefits for host countries,” he added.
Double American premiere
Rugby will therefore be exported to the United States for the first time, with the men's Worlds in 2031 and women's in 2033. This will not be a first on the American continent since Canada had already hosted the 2010 edition, won by the New Zealand Black Ferns.
The American candidacy had been supported by President Joe Biden.
"USA Rugby will now venture into a new era and ensure the sport's most prestigious tournament is a springboard to igniting lasting excitement and passion for the game of rugby from coast to coast," said commented Ross Young, the general manager of the American Federation.
England, host country of the 2025 women's edition, has already hosted three World Cups, one women's (2010) and two men's (1991 and 2015).
It will not be a first "Down Under" either, since Australia has already organized the Men's World Cup in 1987 (with New Zealand) and in 2003.
Regarding the men's edition of 2027, it will be the first in the southern hemisphere since the 2011 edition disputed in New Zealand.
England and Japan had hosted the 2015 and 2019 vintages respectively. The Blues, recent Grand Slam winners, hope to win the World Cup for the first time, at home next year.