Vancouver Seeks to Host 2031 Men’s Rugby World Cup, Joins 27 Cities

UPDATE: Vancouver has officially expressed interest in hosting the 2031 Men’s Rugby World Cup, joining a competitive list of 27 cities submitted to World Rugby. The announcement was made during the United by Rugby Summit in Chicago, coinciding with the highly anticipated test match between the New Zealand All Blacks and Ireland at Soldier Field.

This move is significant for Vancouver, marking it as the only Canadian city in the running. The other contenders include major U.S. cities such as Los Angeles, New York, and Miami, showcasing the high stakes as World Rugby evaluates potential venues over the next 14 months.

The selection process will narrow the list of applicants by the end of 2026, with those remaining advancing to the “candidate phase.” The final selection of host cities will be revealed after the conclusion of the 2027 World Cup in Australia, which will feature an expanded field of 24 teams, including Canada.

Vancouver has a strong track record in hosting rugby events, including the successful Canada Sevens tournament and the WXV 1 women’s 15s tournament at B.C. Place Stadium. This history of success poses Vancouver as a formidable candidate, emphasizing its capability to deliver a world-class event.

As excitement builds, rugby fans and local stakeholders are rallying for support, eager to see Vancouver recognized on the international stage. Stay tuned as this story develops and more details emerge about the cities vying for this prestigious tournament.

Authorities from World Rugby and USA Rugby will be monitoring the progress closely, setting the stage for what could be a historic moment for Canadian rugby.