Rugby Powerhouses SA and NZ Miss Out on World Cup Hosting

South Africa, the four-time champions, last hosted the Rugby World Cup back in 1995

South Africa and New Zealand, rugby's most successful countries, face unlikely hosting prospects for future Rugby World Cups.

South Africa and New Zealand unlikely to host Rugby World Cup anytime soon due to economic struggles...

South Africa and New Zealand, rugby's most successful countries, are unlikely to host a World Cup anytime soon. According to Rian Oberholzer, South Africa Rugby's CEO, the focus is on maximizing revenue for World Rugby, and these countries aren't expected to generate enough income. Australia will host the next World Cup in 2027, followed by the United States in 2031.

The bidding process for the 2035 Rugby World Cup has begun, but neither South Africa nor New Zealand is in the running. Oberholzer cited economic factors and lack of government support as reasons for this decision. World Rugby prioritizes hosting in regions with strong economic backing and government support.

The bidding process for hosting the 2035 Rugby World Cup kicked off last October, and surprisingly, the two rugby powerhouses, South Africa and New Zealand, aren't in the running. According to Rian Oberholzer, CEO of South Africa Rugby, this is due to economic factors, as World Rugby prioritizes hosting in regions that can generate the most revenue.

Instead, countries like Japan, Spain, Italy, and Argentina are showing interest in hosting the tournament. There's also a potential joint bid from Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.

“I think we have moved away from the philosophy that everybody must get an equal chance to host a World Cup,” Oberholzer told a SA Rugby ‌press conference on Monday.

“New Zealand and South Africa will ⁠not make the money out of ‌a World Cup that World Rugby needs. I don't think it’s a negative on us. It is more what is more important for the best interest of rugby.”

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— Springboks (@Springboks) February 25, 2026

Economic struggles and lack of government support are hurting their chances. Neither South Africa nor New Zealand is expected to get government backing for a major sporting event like the Rugby World Cup.

South Africa hosted in 1995 and New Zealand co-hosted in 1987 and solo-hosted in 2011, but they've struggled to win bids since. 

“The Rugby World Cup is the only revenue stream for (governing body) World Rugby that must fund the whole ecosystem, and all the members get some funding out of a Rugby World Cup,” Oberholzer added.

“So World Rugby must take the ‌World Cup to where they can make the most money, and to go where they will be supported by local and national governments.”

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— Springboks (@Springboks) February 13, 2026

“I cannot see that the potential money generated out of South Africa will be the same as generated in Europe or maybe somewhere in the Middle East. World Rugby will drive World Cups to where they believe they can make the most money, and we all have to understand that.

“You cannot ask for a World Cup in your ‌country, make less money, and then want the biggest slice of the cake when it comes to the annual grant that we get from World ‌Rugby,” he added.

SA Rugby's fortunes are turning around after a $5.77 million loss in 2024. New sponsorships and becoming a full shareholder in the United Rugby Championship have helped stabilize their finances.