The next two Rugby World Cups are already locked in.
Australia will host the tournament in 2027, before rugby’s biggest event heads to the United States for the first time in 2031.
That means attention will soon turn to what comes next.
World Rugby has already taken the tournament to some incredible destinations, but there are still several rugby-loving nations waiting for their chance — or, in some cases, waiting for another go.
Here are the five countries, or potential bids, we’d love to see host the Rugby World Cup after 2031.
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5. Italy
Italy already hosts Six Nations fixtures in front of huge crowds and boasts world-class stadiums in Rome, Milan, Turin and Naples.
A Rugby World Cup would help grow the game beyond its traditional heartlands while giving travelling supporters the perfect mix of rugby, food, history and culture.
The Azzurri have also made huge strides in recent years, with a new generation of players helping to make Italian rugby feel more exciting than ever.
Few countries could match the experience both on and off the pitch.
4. England
England last hosted the Rugby World Cup in 2015, and while the memories are not exactly glowing from a home perspective, the tournament itself was a huge commercial success.
The stadiums are already there. Twickenham, Wembley, Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, St James’ Park, Villa Park and the Principality Stadium across the border would all be capable of staging major matches.
A return to England would also guarantee packed crowds, huge television numbers and a tournament that feels like a major national event.
It may not be the most romantic option on the list, but it would be one of the safest.
3. Spain & Portugal
This might be the most exciting left-field option on the list.
Spain and Portugal both have growing rugby scenes, brilliant cities, superb weather and the type of stadium infrastructure that could make a joint Iberian Rugby World Cup seriously appealing.
Madrid, Barcelona, Lisbon, Porto, Seville and Bilbao would all be incredible destinations for travelling supporters, while the tournament could give rugby a massive push in two countries where the sport is still fighting for wider attention.
Portugal won thousands of new fans during the 2023 Rugby World Cup thanks to their fearless attacking rugby, while Spain has long been seen as one of Europe’s sleeping giants.
Together, they could offer something fresh, ambitious and completely different.
2. South Africa
It still feels remarkable that South Africa has only hosted one Rugby World Cup.
The 1995 tournament remains one of the most iconic sporting events ever, but more than 30 years have now passed.
The Springboks are the sport’s most successful nation, the atmosphere is unmatched, and few countries understand rugby quite like South Africa.
From Cape Town to Durban and Pretoria, every match would feel like a major occasion.
Many fans believe it is long overdue.
POLL:
1. Ireland
If there was ever a nation that deserves its chance, it is Ireland.
The country has become one of rugby’s true powerhouses and repeatedly sells out stadiums for major internationals. Dublin would provide the centrepiece, while Cork, Limerick, Belfast and Galway could all play major roles in delivering a nationwide celebration of rugby.
Irish supporters are renowned for creating one of the best atmospheres in world sport, while travelling fans would be welcomed into pubs and cities built for unforgettable sporting occasions.
With outstanding infrastructure, incredible passion and proven experience of hosting major events, Ireland feels like the obvious choice for a future Rugby World Cup.
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