Vote set to decide the location of five World Cups
THE destination of five World Cups will be confirmed today when the World Rugby Council vote in Dublin on host countries for the upcoming tournaments.
While France are geared up to welcome nations from across the globe in 2023, there are several other key decisions to be made for the men’s and women’s editions in the years to follow.
England are the frontrunners to host the 2025 Women’s World Cup while Australia look set to host the 2027 Men’s World Cup and the women’s showpiece two years later.
The USA is set to be awarded the 2031 and 2033 editions in a move that would help grow the sport in the country, given it does not hold the history and tradition associated with England and Australia when it comes to rugby union. President Joe Biden expressed his support for USA Rugby’s bid last month with a letter which was part of material submitted ahead of today’s World Rugby Council meeting in Ireland, where a vote followed by a press conference to announce the respective hosts will take place.
USA international Nick Civetta will be long retired by the time the 2031 World Cup comes around, but he insists his current team-mates have a big role to play in America’s bid. The United States face Chile in a two-legged qualifier in July to decide who will qualify for the 2023 World Cup in France.
Civetta recently helped Oxford University to Varsity success at Twickenham and believes it is imperative USA are represented in France next year.
“As a player and as someone who wants to go to this World Cup, I think we have a massive role,” he said.