INTERNATIONAL EVENT WILL TAKE PLACE IN THE UNITED STATES FOR THE FIRST TIME; MORE THAN TWO DOZEN CITIES VYING TO HOST MATCHES
CHICAGO – November 3, 2025 – The world’s third largest sporting event is coming to the United States in 2031, and St. Louis is a potential host city. World Rugby announced St. Louis is one of 27 cities and areas that have formally entered the applicant phase of the Men’s Rugby World Cup 2031 Host Selection Process. The announcement was made at the United by Rugby Summit in Chicago last Friday, on the eve of the sold-out Ireland vs. New Zealand test match at Soldier Field, celebrating the continued rise of rugby in the U.S. and the sport’s growing global reach.
“We are tremendously excited to be among the cities World Rugby is considering to host the Men’s Rugby World Cup 2031,” said Marc Schreiber, president of the St. Louis Sports Commission. “With rugby’s growth in the U.S. and the interest and passion that exists in our region, it would be an absolute thrill for St. Louis to be part of the event and be on this global stage.
“St. Louis would be an excellent host city. It is a proven destination for major sporting events, providing a fabulous visitor experience and having an outstanding track record of stepping up with unparalleled community support. Working with our regional partners, we will aim to continue that tradition, raise the bar, and deliver a magnificent win-win for World Rugby and our region in 2031.”
Following the conclusion of the initial expression of interest stage, 27 cities/areas (featuring 33 venues) have now submitted signed letters of intent to continue in the selection process. The applicants are Arizona, Atlanta, Baltimore, Birmingham, Boston, Charlotte, Chicago, Cincinnati, Denver, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles Region, Miami, Minneapolis, Nashville, New Orleans, New York/New Jersey, Orlando, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Salt Lake City, San Diego, San Francisco Bay Area, Seattle, St. Louis, Vancouver, and Washington D.C.
World Rugby Chief Executive Alan Gilpin said: “The enthusiastic response from across the U.S. has been extraordinary. These cities and areas represent not only iconic sports destinations but also new, emerging, and existing rugby communities. Their commitment underscores the opportunity Men’s Rugby World Cup 2031 presents to cement the United States’ status as a major player in global rugby, but also to inspire and unite new fans, audiences, and commercial partners for the sport more broadly to deliver lasting impact.”
An Enormous Event With Enormous Impact
The Men’s Rugby World Cup is the world’s third-largest sports tournament, comprised of 24 national rugby teams playing 52 matches over the course of six weeks. The 2031 tournament will take place in September and October. The 2023 Men’s Rugby World Cup was hosted in France, with an estimated $871 million input into France’s economy, a total of 425,000 international visitors, and 1.3 billion broadcast viewing hours. Broadcast coverage came from 191 markets globally, with the top ten audiences from France, the U.K., Japan, South Africa, Ireland, New Zealand, Australia, Italy, Germany, USA, and Canada.
The prescribed seating capacity for Men’s Rugby World Cup matches is approximately 50,000. Should St. Louis be selected as a host city, matches would take place at the Dome at America’s Center.
“St. Louis is built for global moments like this,” said Brad Dean, the president and CEO of Explore St. Louis, which manages the Dome at America’s Center. “Hosting the Rugby World Cup would shine a spotlight on our world-class hospitality, our passionate sports culture and the incredible momentum across our region. We believe St. Louis offers an unmatched experience for athletes and fans from around the world. Alongside our partners, we are ready to welcome the world, elevate the sport of rugby in the United States and deliver a legacy of economic impact and community pride.”
A Strategic Step in U.S. Rugby Growth
Delivering a successful, economically strong Rugby World Cup in the U.S. is a cornerstone of World Rugby’s U.S. Growth Plan, which aims to strategically position major rugby events in partnership with national unions to develop reachable audiences in key rugby hubs.
Several cities engaged in the host selection process are already central to these growth efforts – markets where the sport is seeing rapid fan engagement, grassroots participation, and commercial potential. Through this collaborative approach, World Rugby is building towards a sustainable rugby ecosystem in the U.S. that extends well beyond Rugby World Cup 2031 and the women’s edition in 2033, inspiring new generations of players and supporters.
Next Steps in the Host Selection Process
Over the next 14 months, World Rugby and USA Rugby will assess, evaluate, and collaborate with all applicants and venues through a detailed engagement process. This includes:
- Team base feasibility visits, which are already underway
- In-depth venue evaluations, beginning in November 2025
- Sharing of detailed hosting requirements, opportunities, and legacy potential
At the end of 2026, a reduced number of cities and venues will move into the candidate phase, marking the start of formal contracting.
It is World Rugby’s intention to announce the final selection of host cities and venues following the completion of Rugby World Cup 2027 in Australia, with the tournament draw and match allocation scheduled for late 2029 or early 2030.
“This is an exciting and collaborative journey,” Gilpin said. “Rugby World Cup 2031 will be more than a tournament. It will be a nationwide celebration of sport, community, and culture, reflecting the diversity and dynamism of the United States.”
Rugby World Cup 2031 represents a transformational moment for rugby in the United States, an opportunity to bring the world’s third-largest sporting event to new audiences, and establish a legacy of participation, connection, and growth that will benefit the game for decades to come.