Over the next 14 months, World Rugby and USA Rugby will evaluate each city/area and narrow the pool as it moves from the applicant phase to the candidate phase.
MINNEAPOLIS — Minneapolis has emerged as one of 27 cities/areas vying to host the 2031 Men’s Rugby World Cup following last week’s United by Rugby Summit in Chicago.
World Rugby announced the 27 finalists on Thursday, paving the way for the first-ever Rugby World Cup held in the United States. The effort to bring the tournament to the states is part of World Rugby’s plan to develop new audiences and encourage growth for the sport, which the organization said is the world’s third-largest sporting event.
Joining Minneapolis in the applicant phase are Arizona, Atlanta, Baltimore, Birmingham, Boston, Charlotte, Chicago, Cincinnati, Denver, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles Region, Miami, Nashville, New Orleans, New York/New Jersey, Orlando, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Salt Lake City, San Diego, San Francisco Bay Area, Seattle, St. Louis, Vancouver, and Washington DC.
“The enthusiastic response from across the U.S. has been extraordinary. These cities and areas represent not only iconic sports destinations but also new, emerging, and existing rugby communities,” said World Rugby Chief Executive Alan Gilpin, in a statement.
“Their commitment underscores the opportunity Men’s Rugby World Cup 2031 presents to cement the United States’ status as a major player in global rugby, but also to inspire and unite new fans, audiences, and commercial partners for the sport more broadly to deliver lasting impact.”
Over the next 14 months, World Rugby and USA Rugby will evaluate each city/area and narrow the pool as it moves from the applicant phase to the candidate phase.
World Rugby said it intends to announce the final selection of host cities and venues at the conclusion of the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
“This is an exciting and collaborative journey. Rugby World Cup 2031 will be more than a tournament. It will be a nationwide celebration of sport, community, and culture, reflecting the diversity and dynamism of the United States,” Gilpin added.
