SAN DIEGO HOPES TO HOST ’31 RUGBY WORLD CUP

One of the world’s biggest sports events is coming to the United States, though most Americans are unaware of its significance.

Not to worry. The U.S. has nearly a decade to get up to speed.

The World Rugby Council voted Thursday for the United States to host the 2031 Men’s Rugby World Cup and 2033 Women’s Rugby World Cup.

According to the announcement, San Diego is among 24 U.S. cities being considered as one of the 12 host venues for one or both events. No timetable was given for when the host cities will be chosen.

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Stadium is the venue Sports San Diego officials tied to their hosting bid.

“San Diego knows how to produce great sporting events,” Sports San Diego CEO Mark Neville said. “To be able to attract an event of this caliber, this prestige, would be a huge win for San Diego economically, filling hotel rooms and restaurants, and for visibility purposes with this global audience for the Rugby World Cup.

“This is a significant event, and if we’re able to get it that would be a big boon for San Diego.”

The Men’s Rugby World Cup is the third-largest sporting event in the world after the Men’s FIFA World Cup and the Summer Olympics.

This marks the first time the Rugby World Cup, which is staged every four years, will be played in North or South America.

“USA Rugby will now venture into a new era and ensure the sport’s most treasured event is a springboard for creating lasting, sustainable enthusiasm and passion for rugby from coast to coast,” USA Rugby CEO Ross Young said in a statement. “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.”

Upcoming hosts for the men’s event are France (2023) and Australia (2027), while future hosts for the women’s event are England (2025) and Australia (2029).

The 2021 Women’s Rugby World Cup, which was postponed because of the pandemic, will be played in England in October and November. New Zealand is the defending champion after beating England for the 2017 title.

South Africa is the defending men’s champion after beating England for the 2019 Rugby World Cup that was hosted by Japan. The 2019 event included 20 countries that played 45 matches from Sept. 20 to Nov. 2. Total attendance was 1.7 million, an average of 37,745 per match.