Qatar, UAE, and Saudi Eye Joint Bid to Host Rugby World Cup
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The three Gulf nations may team up to bring the tournament back to Asia after Japan’s 2019 hosting
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Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia are reportedly planning a joint bid to host the Rugby World Cup, according to The Times. Backed by Asia Rugby, the governing body for the sport in the region, the bid aims to bring the global tournament back to Asia for the first time since Japan hosted it in 2019. If approved, it would also mark the first time these three Gulf countries co-host the event.
Asia Rugby backs multi-city hosting model
Asia Rugby President Qais Al Dhalai is in favor of a shared hosting setup across the Gulf. He believes the multi-city model, already proven successful in global football, could work well for rugby too. “A multi-host could be a successful story and a new model for rugby,” Al Dhalai said. “UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia—why not? The stadiums are ready there. It could be the most successful rugby event ever.”
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Gulf bid targets 2035 or 2039 tournaments
The 2027 Rugby World Cup is set to take place in Australia, followed by the United States in 2031. That leaves the 2035 and 2039 editions open, and the Gulf countries are positioning themselves as strong contenders. Bidding for the 2035 edition is expected to open in the next couple of years. Al Dhalai says he’s optimistic about the Gulf’s chances. “As our leaders in the Gulf believe, nothing is impossible. I foresee this as something that might happen in 2035,” he added.
A growing sports hub
If successful, the bid would further cement the Gulf’s growing reputation as a hub for major international sporting events. With ready infrastructure and strong regional support, the three countries are looking to introduce a fresh model of hosting that could shape the future of rugby on a global scale.