Buenos Aires: Argentina has officially entered the race to host the Rugby World Cup in 2035, unveiling an ambitious, region-wide proposal that could bring the tournament to South America for the very first time.
The bid, spearheaded by the Argentine Rugby Union, is being developed in collaboration with Sudamérica Rugby and the national unions of Brazil, Chile, and Uruguay. The multi-nation approach reflects a broader vision to expand rugby’s footprint across the continent.
UAR president Gabriel Travaglini described the proposal as a “federal and legacy-driven project” aimed at showcasing the sport’s rapid growth across the region. He emphasized that hosting the tournament would not only be a sporting milestone but also a catalyst for long-term development.
Key discussions are currently underway with World Rugby, whose chief executive Alan Gilpin is in Argentina to assess the feasibility of the bid. His visit marks an important step in evaluating infrastructure, logistics, and regional readiness.
Argentina, home to the iconic national team Los Pumas, is widely regarded as the strongest rugby nation in the Americas. The team has reached the World Cup semi-finals three times—in 2007, 2015 and 2023—bolstering the country’s credentials as a capable host.
The 2035 hosting race is expected to be competitive, with interest from Spain, Japan, Italy, and a potential joint bid involving Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, and Qatar.
Looking ahead, the tournament will head to Australia in 2027, before making its debut in the Americas with the United States hosting in 2031. If successful, Argentina’s bid would mark a historic moment, firmly placing South America on the global rugby map.
Source: The Star
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