Congressional Resolution Introduced Supporting USA Rugby World Cup Bid

USA Rugby and the USA Rugby World Cup Bid Committee are praising the introduction of a congressional resolution expressing support for the United States’ bid to host the 2029 Women’s Rugby World Cup and 2031 Men’s Rugby World Cup.

The bipartisan resolution was introduced by Congressional Rugby Caucus co-chairs Alex Mooney (WV-2) and Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC), along with other Caucus members. Congressional Rugby Caucus members and their staff are coordinating with USA Rugby and the USA Rugby World Cup Bid Committee to build public support for the bid and promote the sport.

“USA Rugby and the USA Rugby World Cup Bid Committee are grateful for the Congressional Rugby Caucus’ efforts to spearhead U.S. government support as we work together to bring Men’s and Women’s Rugby World Cup tournaments to our country,” said USA Rugby World Cup Bid Chair Jim Brown. “Today’s resolution demonstrates a clear commitment to growing the game of rugby and advancing the United States’ Rugby World Cup bid — which will have important economic and cultural benefits at both the domestic and international level. Thank you to all members of the Congressional Rugby Caucus for your ongoing efforts toward bringing the experience of a Rugby World Cup to our American sports community.”

The Men’s Rugby World Cup would involve participating teams from 20 nations around the world and a Women’s Rugby World Cup would involve participating teams from 16 nations. The next men’s Rugby World Cup will be 2023 in France, one year ahead of the Olympic and Paralympic Summer Games. Australia is the preferred candidate for World Rugby in 2027 ahead of the 2031 event. The next Women’s World Cup is October in New Zealand, with England the preferred candidate to host the women’s tournament in 2025.

USA Rugby had been interested in hosting either in 2027 or in 2031, along with the Women’s 2029 Rugby World Cup. After announcing its intent to bid for the events, USA Rugby Chief Executive Officer Ross Young joined the SportsTravel Podcast and hinted that 2031 would potentially be a better year to host rather than 2027, since the earlier event would be held in between the 2026 FIFA World Cup and 2028 Olympic Summer Games, both in the United States.

The legislation also encourages President Joe Biden and relevant Federal agencies to support the bid committee and pledges that Congress will give full consideration to legislative proposals or other requests to support preparations.

“As a former college rugby player at Dartmouth College, I continue to enjoy watching the sport as a member of the United States Congress,” said Mooney. “As Co-Chairman of the Congressional Rugby Caucus, I am proud to be an advocate for the Rugby World Cup. I look forward to advocating for America as a host site as we move forward with this important bid.”

“Rugby has made a difference to the youth of the District of Columbia and across the country in terms of health, self-esteem, teamwork and social skills. I am proud to support the U.S. bids to host the Men’s and Women’s Rugby World Cup tournaments,” said Norton.