Australia and USA to host men’s Rugby World Cup in 2027 and 2031

World Rugby has confirmed the locations for the next two men’s and three women’s Rugby World Cups at its Annual Meeting convened in Dublin, Republic of Ireland on Thursday.

For the men’s next two World Cup editions, the World Rugby Council unanimously approved the staging of the prestigious tournaments in Australia and The United States of America.

Australia will host the competition for the first time since 2003, when England were crowned champions, while the tournament will break new ground by taking place in the USA where the hosts will be staging its first ever men’s Rugby World Cup.

For the women’s next three editions, England (2025) will join Australia (2029) and USA(2033) as the hosts.

The World Rugby chairman, Sir Bill Beaumont, said: “We have approved three exceptional Rugby World Cup host nations – England, Australia and USA – providing unprecedented certainty and an unparalleled opportunity to accelerate the growth and impact of rugby globally. It is great for rugby, for fans and for the host nations.

“The confirmation of host locations is supported by a new partnership approach to event delivery, that will power long-term, sustainable development, including in the USA and across the women’s game, enabling the sport to realise its global potential on and off the field, driving significant social and economic benefits for host nations. Today is a landmark moment for the sport, and an exciting development for fans. I would like to congratulate everyone involved in making this dream a reality as we look to deliver a truly global sport for all.”

The 2023 edition of the men’s World Cup will be held in France where Kenya Simbas are still waiting for the qualifiers that begin in July 2022. The women’s 2021 edition, being played in 2022, will be staged in New Zealand.