BY EMMANUEL OGBONNA
Argentina has formally stepped forward to spearhead a historic South American bid to host the men’s Rugby World Cup in 2035, signaling a bold effort to bring one of the sport’s premier global events to the continent for the first time. The Argentine Rugby Union confirmed that it is advancing plans for an official proposal, working in collaboration with the governing bodies of Brazil, Chile, and Uruguay to present a united regional vision.
Officials indicated that preparations are already underway to assess the logistical and organizational demands of staging the tournament. A key step in the process will involve a working session with World Rugby chief executive Alan Gilpin, aimed at evaluating Argentina’s readiness and the broader feasibility of hosting matches across multiple nations in South America. The discussions are expected to focus on infrastructure, travel coordination, stadium capacity, and long-term development goals tied to the global showcase.
Leaders of the Argentine union described the initiative as more than a sporting aspiration, portraying it as a strategic project designed to strengthen rugby’s footprint throughout the region. Union president Gabriel Travaglini emphasized that the proposal reflects a nationwide commitment to expanding the sport’s reach while leaving a lasting legacy that extends beyond national borders. He noted that rugby has experienced significant growth in Argentina in recent decades, with grassroots participation increasing and professional pathways becoming more structured.
Advocates of the bid argue that hosting the World Cup would accelerate investment in sporting facilities and create opportunities to inspire a new generation of players and supporters across South America. The collaborative nature of the proposal also underscores the intention to distribute matches among neighboring countries, highlighting regional unity and offering fans throughout the continent the chance to experience the tournament firsthand.
The 2035 competition will mark the 13th edition of the men’s Rugby World Cup, continuing a sequence of geographically diverse hosts aimed at broadening the sport’s global appeal. The next tournament is scheduled to take place in Australia, where Argentina, Chile, and Uruguay are expected to represent South America on the international stage. That event will be followed by the 2031 edition in the United States, further demonstrating World Rugby’s strategy of expanding into key growth markets.
Argentina stands as the continent’s most accomplished rugby nation, having reached the semifinals of the World Cup on three occasions — in 2007, 2015, and most recently in 2023. Those performances elevated the national team’s profile and contributed to rising interest in the sport domestically, strengthening the country’s credentials as a potential host.
While the bidding process remains in its early stages, supporters believe that a successful South American campaign could reshape rugby’s competitive landscape and create enduring economic and cultural benefits. If approved, the tournament would not only bring elite international competition to new audiences but also symbolize the continued globalization of a sport traditionally dominated by nations in Europe and the Southern Hemisphere’s established powers.
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