The Spanish Rugby Federation (RFER) has unveiled details of its bid to host the 2035 Rugby World Cup.
The bid arrives as the sport grows rapidly in Spain. The country also secured its place at next year’s World Cup in Australia, its first appearance at the tournament since 1999.
A statement published on Wednesday, together with the submission of its detailed “applicant questionnaire,” said the bid has the support of LaLiga. It would use the “venues, transport infrastructure, security and volunteer management” established by the FIFA World Cup, which Spain will host alongside Portugal and Morocco in 2030.
Venues and Rival Bidders
The Spotify Camp Nou, Santiago Bernabéu, Riyadh Air Metropolitano and San Mamés are all on the longlist of venues. They are home to LaLiga’s Barcelona, Real Madrid, Atlético Madrid and Athletic Club, respectively.
Other confirmed bidders have more established rugby histories. Japan and Argentina, the latter alongside other South American nations, have already declared their intentions to host the tournament.
If Spain wins the bid, it would be the first Rugby World Cup held in Europe since France staged the 2023 tournament, which South Africa won.
Federation Statement
RFER Executive President Juan Carlos Martín ‘Hansen’ said: “World Rugby has established this tournament as the pinnacle of our sport, and it is a great honour for Spain to bid to host it. Over the past two decades, our commitment to rugby has led to extraordinary progress, and the next nine years could mark a step change for the sport across Spain.”
He added: “The warmth, openness and desire to share moments with others that characterise our country fit perfectly with the spirit that a Rugby World Cup creates.”
He concluded: “Rugby is becoming part of our country’s identity. Working together with World Rugby, we can make Rugby World Cup 2035 a turning point in the global growth of the sport, for the benefit of generations to come.”
Next Steps
World Rugby is expected to identify a preferred host in May 2027, before formally appointing the host nation the following November.