USA to Conduct Rugby World Cup Feasibility Study

• A focused group of rugby stakeholders in the United States has committed to conducting a feasibility study on the capability of hosting a Rugby World Cup in the United States.
• The study will engage stadium venues, sports commissions, city government, and USA Rugby to review objective criteria, technical requirements, financial considerations, and commercial analysis.
• Objective analysis will include the legacy of the tournament and a positive impact on the game of rugby in the United States.
• The final report will be presented to the USA Rugby Board ahead of a potential host bid through USA Rugby.
• Study to take place through the end of 2020, prior to Feb 2021 World Rugby dialogue phase regarding future Rugby World Cup hosting bids.
• USA Rugby with no financial obligation to the study and will carefully analyze future obligations before any decision to proceed further in the bid process.

GLENDALE, CO – Following an announcement from World Rugby on a reformed Rugby World Cup bidding process, an assembly of rugby stakeholders in the United States have gathered to conduct and finance a feasibility study, intended to explore the operational and financial capabilities of hosting a Rugby World Cup in the United States. World Rugby has initiated a new Dialogue Phase in the Rugby World Cup bidding process, where outcomes from this particular study will provide constructive materials and ultimately support a potential USA Rugby bid for hosting the Men’s or Women’s tournament in 2025, 2027, 2029, and/or 2031.  USA Rugby has no financial obligation to the feasibility study.“While preliminary, a study of this nature will be very insightful and ensure appropriate due diligence is performed at every stage of the process,” noted USA Rugby CEO, Ross Young, “This group of stakeholders have the best interest of the American game in mind and this report will offer the opportunity for more productive discussions with World Rugby at the beginning of next year, prior to any decision to continue the bid process.”

The study will break into two phases. The first reviewing technical requirements of the event itself, where phase two will review the feasibility of preparing a meaningful bid ahead of the January 2022 deadline. The USA Rugby Board of Directors will monitor the study through Director project lead Jim Brown. Brown’s industry experience with international sporting events, including the Olympic Games, 2006 – 2014 FIFA World Cup, and most recently the United States, Canada, and Mexico United Bid for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, brings valuable insight to the study on behalf of the National Governing Body.

The study will focus on objective analysis, financial considerations, technical requirements, and stakeholder support across the greater sports landscape. Similar to previous Rugby World Cup host unions, objective analysis will include the legacy of the tournament and a positive impact on the game of rugby in the United States.

Announced in August, World Rugby has amended the host bid and selection process to include a Dialogue Phase in February 2021. This phase is an opportunity for open communication between World Rugby, unions, governments, and other key stakeholders in order to understand the business and delivery model, how each will partner with World Rugby, and ultimately build a compelling bid proposal.

Further information on the feasibility study and any potential for a formal USA host bid will be communicated post-dialogue phase with World Rugby.