The UAE, Saudi Arabia and Qatar are planning a joint bid to host the Rugby World Cup in 2035, according to a report in The Times newspaper.
In an interview with the London-based newspaper president of Asia Rugby Qaid Al Dhalai said the Gulf nations are considering a joint bid to create “the most successful event in the history of rugby” in either 2035 or 2039.
Although no official bid has been launched, The Times report said the sports governing bodies would consider a multi-country host offering as seen in the football World Cup.
UAE, Saudi and Qatar mull joint Rugby World Cup bid
Al Dhalai told The Times: “As our leaders in the Gulf believe, nothing is impossible. I foresee this as something that might happen in 2035.
“I don’t want to underestimate other bids, and I believe South Africa and other European countries might be interested as well, but if World Rugby worked hard on this with a solid plan it might happen in 2035.
“I’m in favour of a multi-city hosting model, not a single host. That’s proven to work in soccer. They have done it since 2002 when Japan and Korea hosted, and are doing it again in Mexico, USA and Canada in 2026, and then again with Spain, Morocco and Portugal in 2030. Why not rugby?
“A multi-host could be a successful story and a new model for rugby. UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia. Why not? The stadiums are ready there. It will be the most successful event in the history of rugby.”
The next men’s Rugby World Cup will be played in Australia in 2027 before moving to the US in 2029.
