Men’s Rugby World Cup 2035 Host Selection Details Announced – What Has Changed?
rugbyasia247
Posted On October 7, 2025
In the middle of an overcrowded period of time when World Rugby was releasing some key information at its 17th World Rugby General Assembly in London, they also announced the process for the selection of the host nation(s) for the Men’s Rugby World Cup 2035.
The process starts this month, in October 2025, as interested host nations can make their expressions of interest, with the appointment due to be announced in November 2027.
The governing body confirmed that “the RWC 2035 selection process will operate independently to Women’s Rugby World Cup 2037, which will have its own standalone process. This reflects the rapid growth and increasing commercial strength of the women’s game, enabling tailored hosting strategies and optimised legacy planning as demonstrated by a game-changing England 2025 event.”
On the back of a very successful Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 in many regards, we were also told that one of the reasons for the new process not being linked to hosting both the Men’s and Women’s tournaments as is the case for Australia (2027 and 2029), and the USA (2031 and 2033) is partially the (lack of) profitability of the women’s event, as well as some commercial partners not wanting to sign up to both pinnacle tournaments. World Rugby has not said this, but our sources alluded to these being among the reasons.
It is worth considering that the Women’s RWC is only expected to be profitable, perhaps by the USA event in 2033, while the previous Men’s RWC in France in 2023 generated hundreds of millions of record surplus.
World Rugby Chair Brett Robinson said: “Rugby World Cups are the sport’s greatest platform and the men’s edition fuels the growth and sustainability of the sport.
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.”
Strategic Plan 2026-2031 – World Rugby General Assembly 2025
Photo Credit – World Rugby
Much of the future strategy of World Rugby was also discussed and on the table at the World Rugby General Assembly in London before the final of the Women’s RWC 2025, and the Strategic Plan 2026-2031 was signed off, but no details have been released by the governing body and dont expect to be released until 2026 according to their statement on the matter.
The draft proposal for World Rugby’s Strategic Plan 2026-2031 included some interesting notes:
- Fragmentation of the broadcast market is accelerating. YouTube now surpasses mainstream broadcasters in even traditional markets.
- Whilst profitability remains an underlying challenge across the sports sector, outside investment continues in search of opportunities for consolidation and growth.
- As much £400m was lost due to COVID. World Rugby Members want to be financially independent but need support in reaching that goal.
- The sport relies on just a few profitable events and a few markets of scale.
With 134 national unions in attendance, the members of World Rugby gathered to receive updates on the latest developments in the sport, as well as the new strategy development, player welfare, women’s rugby, gender equity and competitions top the agenda – much of which has had accompanying announcements over recent weeks.
Image Credit – World Rugby – RWC 2025
World Rugby’s new five-year Strategic Plan, they say, is designed to strengthen and grow the sport, and is only set for public launch in January 2026. The three pillars are:
- Iconic events
- Impactful investment
- Strong leadership in support of its members
Robinson said: “Our strategy is bold but focused, grounded in our values, shaped by your insights, and designed to grow commercial value, strengthen our foundations, and deliver greater impact for everyone.
But success requires a shift in mindset. We must be brave, willing to challenge the status quo, try new things, and think differently. We must have the courage of our convictions and treat our strategy as a living plan – reviewed regularly, with success measured and adapted when needed.”
Editor’s Note -We won’t even delve into the quite frightening data on how few international and professional rugby tournaments actually are profitable or break even. The growth of the game and the financial stability are the main concerns. World Rugby wants to support the economic base of the sport and develop sustainable unions while collaborating with stakeholders to create a financially robust ecosystem.
Men’s Rugby World Cup 2035 Host Selection Details
World Rugby Chief Executive Alan Gilpin, when he formally launched the host selection process for the Men’s Rugby World Cup 2035, acknowledged that the Men’s Rugby World Cup is the “financial engine that fuels the sport from grassroots to international level.” The tournament provides 90% of World Rugby revenues!
This RWC 2035 hosting model will be delivered through collaboration with governments, World Rugby member unions and key stakeholders, “to ensure consistent delivery standards, brand integrity, and maximised revenues – critical to reinvestment into the global game and support for member unions.”
What is different for the new hosting model?
- Both single-country proposals and multi-territory consortia will be considered
- Governing body seeks to unlock opportunities to advance fan and revenue outcomes for member unions
- World Rugby will partner with governments and unions to achieve global impact
Editor’s Note – we should note here that World Rugby is still in the belief that the RWC USA 2031 could be the most profitable RWC of all time and admits it will need investment to make the most of the opportunity – they will also release details of the USA Growth Markets Plan in 2026. This belief is shared by very few we have spoken to.
Who is Rumoured to be Interested In Hosting RWC 2035?
Japan, South Africa, a Middle East consortium (Saudi Arabia, Qatar & UAE), and Spain are all rumoured to be interested.
In Asia, the dual interest from Japan and the Gulf has caused political ripples already, and there is no love lost between the current Asia Rugby President (based in the UAE) and the Japan Rugby Football Union.
The JRFU’s President Masato Tsuchida said at the end of September 2025, “It is Japan’s role to spread the sport to Asia and the world. In that sense, I would like to do it again….We would like to expand support from the Japanese government, the business community, and each region.”
Rugby World Cup Japan 2019
What do we believe World Rugby is looking for in a successful host for the Men’s Rugby World Cup 2035?
- Generating large revenues
- Cost-effective delivery model
- Ensuring financial surplus to World Rugby for reinvestment into the game beyond RWC 2025
Timeline – Men’s Rugby World Cup 2035 Host Selection
- 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
Men’s RWC 2023 France by the Numbers:
- Attracted more than 2.3 million match attendees
- Generated 1.33 billion viewing hours
- Commercial success delivered a record surplus of £472 million for reinvestment back into the game
- Generated €1.8 billion in spending and a net economic gain of €871 million for France
- Drove positive social change through community initiatives and fan activations
Rugby Development and Tournament News
- Understanding the WXV Global Series 2026-2028.
- Women’s RWC 2025 – What Has it Achieved?
- What Does the SEARF MoU Signing with East Asian Rugby Unions Mean for The Growth of the Sport?
- New Guidelines To Protect Professional Rugby Players’ Welfare
Trending Now
The Best Social 2025 Rugby Tournaments In Asia
