Japan have officially declared that they want to host the Rugby World Cup again and do so in 2035. The JPFU’s announcement confirms that the Asia no 1 will enter World Rugby’s host nation selection process for the 2035 tournament.
The Japanese bid comes less than seven years after hosting the World Cup in 2019. Rugby World Cup 2019 proved to be highly successful and 2035 will be 16 years after, an identical number to that of France hosting in 2007 and 2023.
Commenting on the announcement, 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 RWC2035 can be realized 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.”
 RUGBY WORLD CUP HOSTS 1987-2031 |
New Zealand and Australia co-hosted the inaugural Men’s Rugby World Cup in 1987. New Zealand hosted alone in 2011 while Australia did so in 2003 and will do so again in 2027.
South Africa hosted in 1995 and had failed bids for Rugby World Cups 2011, 2015, 2019 and 2023. France secured the votes for RWC 2023 despite World Rugby publicly preferring South Africa. Argentina had been interested in bidding but pulled-out instead of putting money into ta bid against France.
France hosted alone in 2023, hosted most of the 2007 tournament and also hosted matches in both 1999 and 1991. Moreover, France 2023 was the fifth Rugby World Cup played in Europe but the first without matches in the UK. Wales hosted matches during Rugby World Cups 1991, 1999, 2007 and 2015. England hosted RWC matches in 1991, 1999 and 2015, Scotland in 1991, 1999 and 2007 and Ireland in 1991 and 1999.
Rugby World Cup 2027 will be the eleventh edition of the Men’s Rugby World Cup. It is not going to be in a new host country with Japan 2019 and USA 2031 being exceptions as World Rugby has not staged the tournament far and wide.
In terms of past RWC tournament finals they have been in New Zealand (1987 and 2011), England (1991 and 2015), South Africa (1995), Wales (1999), Australia (2003), France (2007 and 2023) and Japan (2019).
| OTHER DECLARED AND POTENTIAL RUGBY WORLD CUP 2035 |
Days before the start of RWC 2023 Italy (Federazione Italiana Rugby) director Marzio Innocenti confirmed that Italy would like to host Rugby World Cup 2035 or 2039. Italy is the only member of the Six Nations that has never hosted Rugby World Cup matches. Italy bid for RWCs 2015 and 2019 but was unsuccessful.
Spain (España Rugby) told World Rugby in December 2023 that they would like to host Rugby World Cup 2035. Spain 2035 would mean handling stadium accessibility differently. World Rugby CEO Alan Gilpin confirmed conversations have taken place between Spain rugby and soccer authorities as well as the Spanish government.
Argentina is putting in a bid for South America to host. Agustín Pichot noted that the region has “good stadiums, good vibes and good countries. Let’s give it a try.” He also stated that it deserves to do so together, pointing out that if it is not in South America then it will be the same again, with the cycle repeating itself with either England or France hosting. Argentina is expected to be presented as the prime host with Chile and Uruguay (possibly others) acting as sub-hosts.
The Gulf: Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are considering a joint bid to host the 2035 Rugby World Cup. Asia Rugby President Qais Al-Dhalai said it could happen in 2035. He declared that it would be the most successful event in the history of rugby.
In February 2021 England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales were considering a joint bid for Rugby World Cup 2031. In September, England Rugby confirmed its intention to bid to host RWC 2031. England has not declared intent on bidding for Rugby World Cup 2035. The country nonetheless remains an option.
