The idea started as a ripple on social media, a hopeful suggestion gaining momentum with each share and comment. Now, a groundswell of support is building for Argentina – and a broader South American consortium – to host the Rugby World Cup, not in the originally planned 2035, but a full four years earlier, in 2031. The call to potentially leapfrog the United States as host nation is fueled by a compelling argument: that the time is right for rugby to truly take root in a region brimming with passion for the sport, and that a North American debut might be hampered by existing sporting behemoths.
The initial push for a 2035 bid, involving Argentina, Chile, Uruguay, and Brazil, was formally announced last week, sparking debate among fans and experts. But it was a video essay from Mark, a New Zealander who runs the popular YouTube channel Inside Rugby with Mark, that ignited the more audacious proposal of moving the tournament to 2031. His reasoning centers on the American sporting calendar and the potential for rugby to obtain lost in the shuffle alongside the NBA and NFL. The idea of hosting the Rugby World Cup in Argentina is gaining traction as a way to capitalize on a growing fanbase and a proven track record of delivering major sporting events.
A Clash of Sporting Titans? The Case Against a 2031 US Bid
Mark’s analysis, which has resonated widely within the rugby community, suggests that staging the World Cup in the United States in 2031 – a date previously favored by World Rugby – could be strategically flawed. He argues that September, October, and November, the typical timeframe for the tournament, directly coincide with the peak seasons of American football and basketball, commanding both audience attention and crucial advertising revenue. As reported by ESPN Deportes, the concern isn’t simply about competition for viewers, but about the difficulty of establishing rugby as a significant sporting force in a market already saturated with established leagues.
The influencer posits that the American sporting landscape prioritizes winning, and without a deeply ingrained rugby culture, building sustained interest around a developing national team could prove challenging. He contrasts this with the potential for a successful women’s Rugby World Cup in the US in 2033, believing that the growth of the women’s game could then translate into broader support for the men’s tournament. However, he believes that immediate impact and explosive growth are more likely to occur in a region where rugby already has a dedicated following.
Argentina’s Growing Rugby Infrastructure and Passionate Fanbase
Argentina, with its established rugby tradition and passionate fanbase, presents a compelling alternative. The nation has a long history with the sport, consistently fielding competitive teams on the international stage – the national team, Los Pumas, currently ranks eighth in the world as of March 29, 2026, according to World Rugby’s official rankings. The country has demonstrated its ability to host major sporting events, and the infrastructure, while requiring investment, is considered more readily adaptable than building a rugby culture from the ground up in the US.
“I would love for the 2031 Rugby World Cup to be held in Argentina. I suppose it is the right place to celebrate it,” Mark stated in his video, a sentiment echoed by many online. “My great support for Argentina, Chile and Uruguay. Massive support is expected and many people will join this initiative. It is going to explode rugby in Latin America and it would be something absolutely great for the sport.” The potential for a surge in rugby’s popularity across South America is a key argument for shifting the tournament to the region.
Official Response and the Reality of World Rugby’s Plans
While the enthusiasm is palpable, the prospect of altering World Rugby’s established plans for 2031 appears unlikely. Agustín Pichot, a prominent figure in Argentine rugby and former World Rugby Vice-Chairman, acknowledges the merits of Mark’s arguments. Speaking to ESPN Deportes, Pichot conceded that the video highlighted key considerations, but also emphasized the logistical challenges of changing a pre-determined host nation. He noted that while Argentina is actively preparing its bid for 2035, a shift to 2031 is “unviable” and World Rugby is unlikely to reconsider its decision.
The United States was selected to host the 2031 Rugby World Cup in May 2023, a decision made with the intention of expanding the sport’s reach in North America. World Rugby cited the potential for growth and the significant investment in infrastructure as key factors in their selection. The organization has yet to publicly address the recent calls for a change of venue.
Looking Ahead: The 2035 Bid and the Future of Rugby in South America
Despite the long odds of securing the 2031 tournament, the outpouring of support for a South American bid underscores the region’s growing importance to the global rugby landscape. The focus now remains firmly on the 2035 bid, with Argentina, Chile, Uruguay, and Brazil working to demonstrate their collective capacity to host a world-class event. This includes addressing infrastructure needs, securing government support, and developing a comprehensive plan to maximize the tournament’s impact.
The conversation sparked by Mark’s video has undoubtedly raised the profile of the South American bid and highlighted the potential benefits of bringing the Rugby World Cup to a region where the sport is already deeply ingrained in the culture. The next key milestone will be the submission of the formal bid proposal to World Rugby, currently scheduled for late 2027. Further updates on the bidding process and the selection of the host nation will be available on the official World Rugby website.
What do you think? Should World Rugby reconsider its 2031 plans? Share your thoughts in the comments below and join the conversation.
