The Citizen (KZN)

Rugby World Cup hits a new frontier

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London – The Rugby World Cup will be staged in the United States for the first time in 2031 after officials announced the host nations for a number of men’s and women’s tournament­s yesterday.

The 2027 event will take place in Australia, with women’s tournament­s going to England (2025), Australia (2029) and the United States (2033).

By taking the World Cup to North America, officials hope to grow the sport in a non-traditiona­l rugby nation.

“Today, we have approved three exceptiona­l Rugby World Cup host nations – England, Australia and USA – providing unpreceden­ted certainty and an unparallel­led opportunit­y to accelerate the growth and impact of rugby globally,” said World Rugby chairman Bill Beaumont.

“It is great for rugby, for fans and for the host nations.”

USA Rugby chief executive Ross Young said: “We look forward to partnering with World Rugby in the years ahead to ensure that our preparatio­ns for these tournament­s and the events themselves are a paradigm-shifting catalyst for the growth of our sport, not only here in the United States but around the world.”

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