Japan Rugby Football Union Confirms It Will Bid To Host Men’s Rugby World Cup 2035
rugbyasia247
Posted On October 13, 2025
On Friday, 10th October 2025, the JRFU (Japan Rugby Football Union) announced, as expected, that it will be bidding to host the Men’s Rugby World Cup 2035.
The JRFU said online, “Following World Rugby’s recent announcement on the Rugby World Cup 2035 host selection process, the Japan Rugby Football Union has announced its intention to take part in the process…After an unforgettable RWC 2019 – could the Rugby World Cup be coming back to Asia for just the second time?”
JRFU Chairman Kensuke Iwabuchi said, “The Japan Rugby Football Union wishes to bring the Rugby World Cup back to Japan in the near future. Following World Rugby’s announcement of the host selection process for the Men’s Rugby World Cup 2035, we will now commence the necessary preparations and deliberations.\
The World Cup is not an event we, as the JRFU, can host solely through our own efforts. We would need to draw on the collective strength of all Japan, with the cooperation, understanding and commitment of people from all corners of the nation.
Together with all our stakeholders, we will carefully consider whether RWC 2035 can be realised in a suitable manner, not only for the benefit of the rugby world but for the wider sporting community and for Japan itself. We will then move forward with the necessary procedures, and we earnestly request the continued support of all concerned parties.”
World Rugby’s RWC2035 Host Selection Timeline
The JRFU said it would be putting together its bid and submit by Q3 202. They have provided their provisional timeline for the bid process below.
- October 2025: Launch of expressions of interest
- Q3 2026: Submission of detailed applicant questionnaires
- Late 2026 – early 2027: Site visits and feasibility assessments
- May 2027: Identification of preferred host
- November 2027: Formal appointment by the World Rugby Council
Provisional Japan Rugby Football Union Timeline – World Rugby’s RWC 2035
- October–November 2025: Examination of application documentation and requirements. Final JRFU Board deliberation on agreement to proceed with application.
- December 2025: Expression of interest submitted to World Rugby
- January 2026 onwards: Preparation of the detailed application
- Third quarter of 2026: Submission of the detailed application to World Rugby
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