There’s a growing buzz around Spain’s ambitious bid to host the 2035 Rugby World Cup, and it’s not hard to see why.
The support for the idea has been overwhelming, with fans rallying behind the proposal.
It’s a vision that holds immense promise, with the iconic Nou Camp in Barcelona potentially hosting the final in front of 105,000 spectators.
The excitement is palpable, but there’s a chance the event might need to be shared with other nations.
Italy has been waiting for its time in the spotlight, too, and Portugal has shown its rugby potential, especially after the incredible reception the national team received in Lisbon following their inspiring performance at the 2023 World Cup in France.
Widespread Support and Potential Roadblocks
Spain’s bid has been warmly received, with reports suggesting that over 95% of rugby fans support the idea.
The need for a World Cup in Spain is evident, but there are challenges, particularly with competition from the Gulf region.
The United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia are all vying for hosting rights, but many feel that hosting a rugby World Cup in such a region would clash with the sport’s core values.
The extreme desert heat would force the tournament to be held in winter, which could create scheduling headaches and financial difficulties for the leagues involved.
Despite the allure of modern stadiums and vast profits in the Gulf, many feel that rugby should stick to its traditional values and avoid the temptation of these flashy offers.
A Strong Case for Spain and Portugal’s Bid
What works in Spain’s favor is the already established infrastructure. Spain, along with Portugal and Morocco, is preparing to host the 2030 FIFA World Cup.
The hard work put into that event means they will already have many of the necessary facilities in place when rugby comes calling.
This is an important factor, as World Rugby is looking for countries that already have modern venues and infrastructure.
Spain and Portugal’s readiness will give them an edge, especially since World Rugby is actively seeking to grow the sport outside its traditional heartlands.
There’s a growing openness within the organization to joint bids, meaning that a combined Spanish and Portuguese campaign could gain significant traction.
The Possibility of Shared Hosting and New Frontiers
Rugby is looking to expand into new territories, and joint bids may be the way to go.
An Iberian bid, shared with Italy, could be a winning formula, with some knockout stages taking place in Italy and others in Spain and Portugal.
World Rugby is also looking towards South America, where rugby is growing fast, particularly in Argentina, Uruguay, and Chile.
Brazil also presents untapped potential for rugby’s future.
As for the UK and Ireland, it’s clear that a single nation like Ireland would struggle to host on its own due to the scale of the modern World Cup.
The format of 24 teams means the event is too large for smaller nations to host alone. A joint bid from the home nations could be a feasible option.
Other Contenders for 2035 and Beyond
South Africa, with its rich rugby pedigree, is another contender.
However, the country faces significant financial challenges and infrastructure issues that make it unlikely to host again in the near future.
Meanwhile, Japan is eager to host again after the success of the 2019 tournament, and World Rugby is excited about the prospect of expanding into Asia.
The USA’s potential to deliver strong revenue in 2031 could also pave the way for them to host the tournament in 2031, setting the stage for innovative choices in future World Cup locations.
Shared Bids as the Future of Rugby World Cups
With so many countries eager to host, shared bids are likely the way forward. A 2035 World Cup could see matches played across Spain, Italy, and Portugal, with the final in Barcelona.
This shared approach would not only make sense logistically but also help grow rugby in newer regions, like South America and Asia. In 2039, the tournament could head to South America, with key games in Argentina and other rugby-enthusiastic countries nearby.
By 2043, the World Cup could return to Japan, with the possibility of adding new locations like Seoul, Hong Kong, and Singapore.
The goal is to continue spreading rugby’s message globally and growing the game.
Shared bids seem to be the most effective way to achieve this.
The Return of Worcester Warriors: A Glimmer of Hope for English Rugby
In other rugby news, there’s some positive news emerging from the English rugby scene.
Worcester Warriors, once on the brink of financial collapse, are now on their way back.
The club is set to return to the Championship, much to the joy of their dedicated fanbase.
There has been some criticism about the club being allowed back into the second tier, but as long as they commit to repaying their debts, there’s no reason why they shouldn’t get a fresh start.
Worcester’s return is a win for English rugby, bringing a much-needed spark to the Championship.
The club’s strong facilities and local support will help reinvigorate the division.
The hope is that other untapped regions in England, like the south coast or East Anglia, will soon develop their own rugby franchises, helping grow the game even further.
The Champions Cup: Time for an Overhaul?
On a more sobering note, Harlequins’ crushing 62-0 defeat to Leinster in the Champions Cup has sparked some serious questions about the tournament’s format.
The event has become bloated, with too many teams involved, diluting the quality of competition.
There’s growing consensus that the Champions Cup needs an overhaul, possibly reducing the number of teams and returning to a more elite, competitive format.
The tournament’s expansion has led to mismatches and a lack of excitement, particularly with the usual suspects like Leinster and Toulouse dominating the knockout stages.
There are calls for a return to a more streamlined, high-quality competition.
Marcus Smith’s Lions Hopes Hanging by a Thread
Lastly, Marcus Smith’s hopes of making the British and Irish Lions tour to Australia this summer are hanging by a thread after his poor performance in Dublin.
Despite his struggles, he still has a chance, especially if he can perform well in the remaining league matches for Harlequins.
But with competition from players like Finn Russell and Sam Prendergast, it’s an uphill battle for the talented English fly-half.
As Smith works to regain form, other players, including Jack Crowley from Munster, are making their case for selection.
The Lions selection is shaping up to be a tough contest, with several players jostling for a spot in the squad.
