Rugby World Cup 2027: Rugby’s two most successful nations, South Africa and New Zealand, may dominate on the field. But when it comes to hosting the sport’s biggest tournament, their chances look slim for the foreseeable future. According to South Africa Rugby Chief Executive Officer Rian Oberholzer.
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The financial realities of the modern game mean that both countries are unlikely to stage another Rugby World Cup anytime soon. South Africa has lifted the Webb Ellis Cup four times, while New Zealand has won it three times.
Between them, they have claimed seven of the 10 tournaments held since the first Rugby World Cup in 1987. Despite that remarkable record, neither nation is in line to host an upcoming edition. The next tournament will take place in Australia in 2027, followed by the United States in 2031.
The bidding process for the 2035 event opened last October, but early interest has not included either of the two rugby powerhouses. Berholzer made it clear that the issue is not about rugby pedigree or the ability to organize a world-class event.
Instead, it comes down to money. He explained that the philosophy around hosting has shifted. In the past, there may have been more emphasis on giving different rugby nations an equal opportunity to host.
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Rugby World Cup: Revenue Drives World Cup Decisions
Now, the focus is firmly on financial return. According to Oberholzer, New Zealand and South Africa simply cannot generate the kind of revenue that World Rugby requires from a World Cup. The global governing body depends heavily on the tournament as its primary source of income.
The revenue generated funds the entire rugby ecosystem, supporting member unions around the world through grants and development programs. Because of that, World Rugby must prioritize host nations that can deliver the biggest financial return.
Both South Africa and New Zealand are dealing with challenging economic conditions. Their governments have a limited appetite for investing large sums of public money into major sporting events. Hosting a Rugby World Cup requires substantial financial backing, infrastructure guarantees, and commercial opportunities.
In contrast, larger markets in Europe, North America, or even the Middle East can offer greater commercial potential, stronger sponsorship deals, and higher ticket revenues. Oberholzer acknowledged that this situation is not necessarily a criticism of South Africa or New Zealand.
Rather, it reflects what is considered best for the global game. World Rugby’s responsibility is to ensure financial sustainability, and that means taking the tournament to markets where it can maximize profits. He pointed out that it would not make sense for a country to host a World Cup that generates less revenue.
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Rugby World Cup Final: Rebuilding Finances Amid Global Competition
Only to expect a larger share of annual funding from World Rugby afterward. Historically, both nations have hosted the event. New Zealand co-hosted the inaugural tournament with Australia in 1987 and later staged it alone in 2011. South Africa famously hosted in 1995 a tournament that carried deep national significance.
As the country reintroduced itself to the global sporting community. However, South Africa has since lost several bids to host again. Despite not being in the hosting conversation, South Africa’s on-field success remains unmatched.
Their World Cup triumphs came in 1995, 2007, 2019, and 2023, including back-to-back titles in the most recent editions. New Zealand, meanwhile, achieved consecutive victories in 2011 and 2015, adding to their earlier win in 1987.
Australia, champions in 1991 and 1999, and England, winners in 2003, are the only other nations to have claimed the trophy. Off the field, however, financial strength tells a different story. South Africa Rugby recently reported a loss of $5.77 million for the 2024 financial year.
Even so, new sponsorship agreements and becoming a full shareholder in the United Rugby Championship have improved their financial outlook. Oberholzer noted that the organization is now in a much healthier position and expects to post a profit. Something few other top-tier rugby nations can claim.
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