Vancouver interested in joining 2031 Men’s Rugby World Cup in U.S. as host city

Argentina's Santiago Mare lifts a trophy as his team cheers during a trophy presentation after defeating South Africa to win gold during Vancouver Rugby Sevens, in Vancouver, B.C., Sunday, Feb. 23, 2025. (Ethan Cairns / The Canadian Press)

Vancouver is among the cities that have submitted letters of Intent to continue in the host city selection process for the 2031 Men’s Rugby World Cup in the United States.

Vancouver was the lone Canadian name among the 27 “cities and areas” released by World Rugby at the United by Rugby Summit in Chicago, on the eve of Saturday’s test match between the second-ranked New Zealand All Blacks and No. 3 Ireland at Soldier Field.

The other applicants are Arizona, Atlanta, Baltimore, Birmingham, Boston, Charlotte, Chicago, Cincinnati, Denver, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles region, Miami, Minneapolis, Nashville, New Orleans, New York/New Jersey, Orlando, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Salt Lake City, San Diego, San Francisco Bay Area, Seattle, St. Louis and Washington D.C.

Over the next 14 months World Rugby and USA Rugby will evaluate the potential cities and venues.

The list of applicants will be trimmed at the end of 2026, with those surviving the cut moving into the so-called “candidate phase.” World Rugby looks to announce the final selection of host cities and venues following the completion of the 2027 World Cup in Australia.

The 2027 World Cup features an expanded field of 24 teams, including Canada.

Vancouver has enjoyed success in staging the Canada Sevens, part of the HSBC SVNS series. B.C. Place Stadium also hosted the WXV 1 women’s 15s tournament last year.

“For 10 years, we’ve seen the social and economic impact that hosting world-class sporting events, such as HSBC SVNS Vancouver, has brought to the local community,” Rugby Canada CEO Nathan Bombrys said in a statement. “Vancouver has become a leading North American rugby city and global rugby destination.

“We are pleased to have a Canadian city considered as part of this next phase of World Rugby’s process to create a highly successful Rugby World Cup in North America.”

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 31, 2025.