Asia Rugby Sets Sights on Global Stage

The Asian Rugby Confederation (Asia Rugby) has officially declared its intention to bid for the rights to host either the 2035 or 2039 Rugby world Cup. This ambitious endeavor aims to bring the prestigious tournament back to Asia, following Japan’s successful hosting in 2019. The confederation is exploring several potential bids, including a joint effort spearheaded by Japan, a partnership between Singapore and Indonesia, and a groundbreaking multi-nation bid from the Middle East, featuring qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.

The Middle east Bid: A Vision of Unprecedented Success

Among the potential bids,the Middle Eastern option is gaining significant traction within Asia rugby. Leaders envision this bid as an opportunity to stage the most successful event in the history of rugby. This bold claim reflects the region’s growing investment in sports and its capacity to deliver world-class events. The potential economic impact of hosting a Rugby World Cup is considerable, with previous tournaments generating billions in revenue and attracting hundreds of thousands of international visitors.

As our Gulf leaders think, nothing is unachievable. I foresee that this could happen in 2035.

Qais Al Dhalai, President of Asia Rugby

Challenges and Opportunities for Emerging Rugby nations

Despite the enthusiasm, the Middle Eastern bid faces considerable challenges. Currently, none of the three nations involved – the United Arab Emirates (ranked 48th), Qatar (ranked 87th), and Saudi Arabia (unranked) – are positioned to qualify for the World Cup based on their sporting performance. Saudi Arabia onyl played its inaugural match in 2016. Though, the region’s commitment to developing rugby is evident, with initiatives like the annual Dubai Sevens tournament, which attracts a large international community and fosters the sport’s growth.

Navigating a Competitive Landscape

The path to securing the 2035 Rugby World Cup is fraught with competition. With Australia already slated to host in 2027 and the United States in 2031, the 2035 edition is attracting interest from established rugby nations. Italy and Spain are reportedly preparing bids, and other European countries, along with South Africa, may also enter the fray. An Asian bid, particularly one from the Middle East, would significantly disrupt the established order and introduce a new dynamic to the selection process.

A Multi-Host Model: A Blueprint for the Future?

Asia Rugby is advocating for a multi-host model, drawing inspiration from successful examples in football. The 2002 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by Japan and South korea, and the upcoming 2026 edition, to be shared by Mexico, the United States, and Canada, demonstrate the viability of this approach.Similarly, the 2030 FIFA World Cup will be jointly hosted by Spain, Morocco, and Portugal. this model could allow multiple nations to share the logistical and financial burdens of hosting the tournament, while also expanding its reach and impact.

I am in favor of a multi -purpose institution model, rather than a single host country. It has proven itself in football… Why not rugby?

Qais Al Dhalai, President of Asia Rugby

Infrastructure Ready, Calendar Concerns Remain

Proponents of the Middle Eastern bid emphasize the region’s existing infrastructure, stating that the stadiums are ready. Though, a potential calendar clash looms. To mitigate the region’s extreme summer heat, organizers may propose shifting the tournament from its traditional September-October slot to december-January. This change would significantly impact the global rugby calendar, potentially disrupting the Six Nations Championship, which typically commences shortly after the World Cup final.

Financial Muscle and the Future of rugby

Asia Rugby believes its financial strength is a key asset in its bid. The confederation generates a significant portion of its revenue from the men’s XVs World Cup, and the Middle East’s robust financial reserves could provide a solid foundation for hosting a successful tournament. This financial stability, coupled with a commitment to innovation and advancement, positions Asia Rugby as a serious contender in the race to host the 2035 or 2039 Rugby World Cup.