World Rugby seeks to strengthen American interest in the 2031 Rugby World Cup. To achieve this, it is planned to bring the final series of the Nations Championship to New York City in 2030.
World Rugby President Brett Robinson revealed this strategy in Sydney. The main goal is to penetrate the lucrative American market and increase the popularity of rugby in the United States.
Key Strategies for Success
- Develop significant improvements in the men’s national team.
- Bring the sport to a wider audience in the United States, where rugby is still not very well known.
The organization of the Nations Championship final series in New York would present high-level rugby in one of the country’s most emblematic cities, paving the way for the 2031 World Cup, which will feature the participation of 24 countries.
From my perspective, it’s about securing a commitment with the United States. We are working on how to align the major nations to bring the product to the U.S. before 2031.
Brett Robinson, World Rugby Chairman
Robinson also mentioned the importance of turning trial matches into regular events to raise the profile of rugby.
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World Rugby is considering several stadium options in New York for this event. MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, with a capacity of 82,500 spectators, is an option, although it usually has artificial turf. Red Bull Arena, also in New Jersey, could be another alternative, but with a much smaller capacity of 25,000.
It has not yet been decided where the first final series of the Nations Championship will be played. Although London was an option, economic offers from the Middle East, possibly Saudi Arabia or Qatar, are being considered.
The main goal is for the American team to be competitive, aiming to reach the round of 16 in the 2027 World Cup in Australia.
