It's Official: South America launches bid for Rugby World Cup

NEWS: South America’s top rugby-playing countries, led by Argentina, have released a statement saying they have officially submitted all the information required by World Rugby to be considered as a candidate to host Rugby World Cup 2035.

World Rugby launched the selection process for RWC 2035 at their General Assembly in London just over 12 months ago, and several countries have stepped forward.

The preliminary hosting bid process includes the submission of documentation, visits to the candidate venues, and the announcement of the preferred venues in May 2027. The final decision will be made by the World Rugby Council in November 2027

In April, Spain confirmed their bid to host their first men’s Rugby World Cup, having staged the women’s edition over two decades ago. And less than a fortnight ago, Japan announced the establishment of the ‘Rugby World Cup 2035 Bid Advisory Committee’, having seen the benefits the tournament brought to their country when becoming the first Asian hosts in 2019. Previously, Italy have expressed an interest.

While the last two tournaments were played exclusively in one country – Japan in 2019 and France in 2023, and the same will apply in 2027, with seven cities across Australia welcoming the world best teams and their supporters – Argentina’s bid intends to embrace the whole of South America. Some iconic venues are included in the bid.

The South America region, led by Argentina and includes Chile, Uruguay and Brazil, declared: “With a combined population of 283 million, growing economies, diverse landscapes, and experience hosting multiple international events this century – including rugby, world championships, Olympic Games, and multi-sport events – the region offers strong elements to be an attractive destination for the magnitude of the Rugby World Cup, the marquee event of our sporting scene.

“The stadiums presented are the Monumental and the José Amalfitani in Buenos Aires, the Diego Armando Maradona Unique Stadium in La Plata, the Mario Alberto Kempes in Córdoba, the Madre de Ciudades Unique Stadium in Santiago del Estero, the Padre Martearena Stadium in Salta, the Malvinas Argentina in Mendoza, and the Gigante de Arroyito Stadium in Rosario [in Argentina], the Maracaná Stadium [Rio de Janeiro, Brazil], the National Stadium [Santiago de Chile] and the Centenario Stadium [Montevideo, Uruguay].”

Félix Páez Molina, President of the Argentine Rugby Union, said: “The presentation of this candidacy represents a very important step for Argentine rugby and for the entire region.

“We have the opportunity to show the world our passion for this sport, our ability to organize major events, and everything our countries have to offer. It is a challenge we embrace with the deep conviction that our region deserves an opportunity of this magnitude.

“It is a project that excites us and that we are building together with the Unions of the region and Sudamérica Rugby, with the aspiration that, for the first time, a Rugby World Cup can be held in this part of the world.”

Marcello Calandra, President of Sudamérica Rugby, added: “The submission of our bid to host the Rugby World Cup demonstrates how united our region is, working together and pursuing common goals. We are confident that we have done everything necessary to convince World Rugby and Rugby World Cup of all the positive aspects we offer as a host.

“We have the support of our national and state governments and the rugby communities of the four countries who have pushed with enormous passion.”

Argentina have competed in every Men’s Rugby World Cup since the inaugural tournament in 1987, reaching three semifinals and finishing third in 2007.

Uruguay made their debut in 1999 and have competed at five tournaments in total, including the last three, while Chile are looking forward to their second tournament appearance in Australia, having made their Rugby World Cup bow in 2023. Brazil have yet to qualify.