What's Happening?
Cincinnati is among 27 U.S. cities under consideration to host matches for the 2031 Rugby World Cup, a major international sporting event. This comes as Nashville recently hosted 'friendly' matches for the USA Eagles men’s and women’s national rugby teams,
an event designed to build interest and excitement for the upcoming World Cup. Both Cincinnati and Nashville are seen as strong contenders due to their mid-sized market status and suitable stadium infrastructure, such as Nashville's Geodis Park and Cincinnati's TQL Stadium, both of which are Major League Soccer venues with grass fields. The USA Eagles women's team secured a 54-24 victory over Italy in Nashville, while the men's team lost 61-12 to Australia. World Rugby is expected to announce the cities selected for the final round of consideration by the end of the year.
Why It's Important?
Hosting Rugby World Cup matches could bring significant economic benefits to the selected U.S. cities. For Cincinnati, Julie Kirkpatrick, president and CEO of MeetNKY, anticipates an economic impact similar to the 2015 Major League Baseball All-Star Game, which boosted the region's revenue by 15% and attracted nearly 100,000 visitors. Mick Hogan, managing director at MMG Sports Limited and a consultant for World Rugby Annual Events, highlights that mid-sized cities like Nashville and Cincinnati are valuable additions to the World Cup program, as they allow rugby to stand out more than in larger metropolitan areas. This broad geographical spread across the U.S. is crucial for growing the sport nationally and internationally, attracting new international travelers, and supporting local infrastructure development, such as at Cincinnati's CVG International Airport.
What's Next?
An announcement from World Rugby regarding the cities selected to advance to the Candidate Phase for hosting the 2031 Rugby World Cup is anticipated by the end of the year. This decision will determine which cities, including Cincinnati and Nashville, will continue in the bidding process. The 'friendly' matches and other international rugby events being staged across the country are part of a long-term strategy to cultivate a larger fanbase and generate enthusiasm for the World Cup. If selected, these cities will proceed with further planning and preparations to meet the requirements for hosting such a large-scale international tournament, which is considered the world's third-largest sporting event in terms of viewership and economic impact.
Beyond the Headlines
The selection of U.S. cities to host the Rugby World Cup signifies a strategic effort to expand rugby's footprint in North America. Unlike more established rugby nations, the U.S. presents a vast, untapped market for the sport. By choosing mid-sized cities, World Rugby aims to create a more concentrated and impactful experience, allowing the sport to gain significant local attention and foster new fan bases. This approach could lead to increased investment in rugby development programs, from youth leagues to professional circuits, potentially elevating the U.S. national teams' competitiveness on the global stage. The economic and cultural exchange resulting from hosting such an event could also leave a lasting legacy, diversifying the sports landscape and promoting international tourism and understanding in regions not typically associated with major global sporting events.
