There's only one worthy candidate to host 2035 Rugby World Cup – here's what must happen, writes CHRIS FOY

Enthusiastic support has surged following the announcement of Spain’s bid to host the 2035 Men’s Rugby World Cup. The overwhelming and positive response highlights the widespread desire to bring this prestigious tournament to Spain. Fans and pundits alike believe that Spain hosting the Rugby World Cup in 2035 would be a resounding success, potentially as a joint bid with neighboring nations.

Spain’s Standalone Bid or Joint Venture for Rugby World Cup 2035

Imagine the spectacle of the Rugby World Cup final taking place at the revamped, iconic Nou Camp in Barcelona, boasting a capacity of 105,000. It’s an enticing prospect, aligning perfectly with the criteria for a world-class event. However, Spain’s ambition might necessitate a collaborative approach.

Italy has long awaited its turn to host, holding a prominent position in the rugby landscape. Portugal also demonstrated its potential, evidenced by the fervent national celebration that greeted their team upon returning from the 2023 tournament in France.

The notion of Spain bidding for the Rugby World Cup has garnered near-universal approval, with estimations suggesting over 95% support. The rugby fraternity desires it, and many believe the sport itself would greatly benefit.

Gulf Nations’ Ambitions Face Headwinds

Addressing a significant point of contention, the Gulf region, encompassing the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia, also harbors aspirations to host. They possess state-of-the-art, underutilized stadiums and the promise of substantial financial returns. However, such a choice would be problematic. While other sports are increasingly drawn to the Gulf, rugby should maintain its espoused core values and resist this temptation.

Beyond ethical considerations regarding human rights, which should be paramount, practical obstacles exist for a World Cup in that region. The intense desert climate would necessitate a mid-winter tournament, creating scheduling clashes and significant disruption to domestic leagues. World Rugby would likely face considerable financial demands to compensate leagues for the mid-season interruption.

Advantages of Iberian and Joint Bids

Sources suggest that strategic considerations within rugby’s governing bodies could favor the Spanish bid. The prevailing sentiment is shifting away from expecting host nations to undertake massive infrastructure projects. Having existing, modern stadiums and infrastructure is now considered essential.

In this context, Spain and Portugal, alongside Morocco, are jointly preparing to host the 2030 FIFA World Cup. The extensive preparations for this global football event mean these nations will have already fulfilled many prerequisites well before rugby authorities commence their formal evaluation of World Cup bids within the next two years.

World Rugby is keenly aware of the necessity to broaden the sport’s global reach beyond its traditional strongholds. Consequently, there is openness to joint hosting bids to explore new territories. This inclination would benefit an Italian-Iberian proposal, as well as future ventures into South America. Argentina’s established position in elite rugby, coupled with the growth of Uruguay and Chile and untapped potential in Brazil, makes this region appealing.

Looking ahead, a combined South American bid is anticipated to be well-received, as would a joint campaign by the home nations. It is recognized that Ireland cannot realistically host alone, as was previously attempted. The expanded 24-team tournament has outgrown the capacity of smaller nations, making a return to New Zealand improbable.

While South Africa, a rugby powerhouse with ample suitable stadiums, has hosting pedigree, the government might struggle with the current financial guarantees. Infrastructure challenges also diminish the prospect of a South African World Cup return in the near future, 30 years after last staging the event.

Japan is eager to host again, following the successful 2019 tournament. World Rugby is enthusiastic about a Japan return, considering Asia’s expansion potential. Therefore, a significant queue is forming for Rugby World Cup hosting rights for 2035 and beyond.

Assuming the USA delivers strong revenue in 2031, bolder hosting choices become viable, moving beyond relying solely on traditional rugby nations like England or France. The high number of compelling hosting cases suggests shared bids are the optimal solution. With the new format featuring six pools of four, Italy, Spain, and Portugal could each host two pools, the quarter-finals split between the Iberian nations, semi-finals in Rome and Milan, and a grand final in Barcelona.

That addresses 2035. South America could then be targeted for 2039, with key knockout matches in Argentina and pool games distributed among neighboring rugby-playing countries.

Four years later, a return to Japan, potentially expanding to new Asian markets like Seoul, Hong Kong, and Singapore, could be considered.

The overarching aim is to broaden the sport’s appeal and facilitate global growth. This approach represents the most effective strategy.

Positive Developments in English Rugby

Worcester Warriors’ Return

A recent visit to Sixways Stadium offered an encouraging experience. English rugby is experiencing some positive developments for a change.

The Worcester Warriors are emerging from financial collapse and returning to professional rugby in the Championship. While some criticism has arisen regarding their reinstatement into the second tier rather than starting at the lower levels, if they are committed to resolving all rugby-related debts, the objections seem unfounded.

Comparisons to the treatment of other clubs in the past are irrelevant, as the rugby landscape has drastically evolved.

English rugby requires strong, vibrant hubs beyond the established elite, and Worcester can once again become one. Their excellent facilities and loyal local fanbase will significantly enhance the Championship. Their resurgence is welcome.

Expanding Rugby’s Footprint in England

However, gaps remain in the rugby map. To strengthen the Championship and the sport overall, attracting franchise bids in untapped regions such as the south coast or East Anglia would be advantageous. Brighton and Norwich possess considerable potential as rugby centers.

Previously suggested in this column, relocating Trailfinders‘ established brand from Ealing to such a location, while contentious with the club owner, holds strategic value.

Other areas like York, Merseyside, or Essex also present opportunities for rugby to flourish, provided local businesses offer financial backing and strategic vision.

Champions Cup Concerns

Harlequins’ Humiliation and Tournament Structure

Harlequins’ 62-0 Champions Cup defeat against Leinster was a disastrous outcome for the London club and the tournament itself.

The uneven contest starkly revealed the urgent need for another overhaul of what should be an elite competition, but often falls short.

Despite repeated adjustments by organizers, the sense of decline persists. Including eight of the ten Premiership clubs from the outset undermines the concept of striving for an exclusive, high-quality event.

The tournament’s expansion, driven by the inclusion of numerous nationalities and the need to distribute revenue broadly, has become bloated. Rugby’s constant challenge of filling the calendar to ensure financial viability contributes to this issue.

Call for a More Elite Champions Cup

In the Champions Cup, less should be more. Reducing the number of teams from 24 to 16 would restore its truly elite status.

However, Munster’s remarkable victory against La Rochelle has disrupted the usual dominance of top French and Leinster teams in the competition, although this pattern is still likely to re-emerge.

Unless Toulon can defeat Toulouse, the semi-final matchups are likely to be Bordeaux versus Toulouse and Leinster versus Northampton, setting the stage for a predictably likely final between Leinster and Toulouse, again.

Lions Tour Selection Speculation

Marcus Smith’s Lions Hopes Diminishing

Marcus Smith was unable to reverse the momentum in Dublin, and his prospects for the Lions tour appear increasingly uncertain.

In fact, his versatility to play at full-back may be his strongest asset for remaining in contention.

Scotland captain Finn Russell remains the leading contender for the No. 10 jersey in the Test series in Australia this summer. Sam Prendergast further strengthened his case with an impressive performance at Croke Park.

The English team’s poor showing should be discounted as a reliable indicator for British and Irish Lions selection, and Prendergast previously struggled during the Six Nations.

However, Andy Farrell seemingly favors him, making his selection probable. This leaves one fly-half spot available, with Fin Smith currently ahead of Marcus Smith. Owen Farrell’s experience and reputation might also secure his place.

Crowley and Other Fly-Half Contenders

Another Irishman, Jack Crowley, improved his Lions chances by guiding Munster to their significant victory in France, sealing the win with a late drop goal.

Smith’s Remaining Opportunities

Marcus Smith has two remaining league fixtures, against Sale and Leicester, to re-enter the Lions selection conversation before the squad announcement on May 8.

To impress selectors, he must outperform George Ford and Handre Pollard in head-to-head matchups. He will need strong support from his Harlequins pack to have a realistic chance of securing a place on the tour.