BUENOS AIRES – A bold ambition is taking shape in South American rugby circles: a joint bid to host the 2035 Rugby World Cup. Led by Argentina’s Unión Argentina de Rugby (UAR) and spearheaded by the influential Agustín Pichot, the proposal extends beyond Argentina’s borders to include Uruguay, Chile, Brazil, and Paraguay. The initiative gained significant momentum recently with the Argentine government formally signing a letter of intent, signaling its support to World Rugby CEO Alan Gilpin. This potential tournament, dubbed by some as a “Mini Vaca Muerta” – a reference to Argentina’s shale oil boom – represents a massive undertaking, fraught with logistical and economic challenges, but offering a potentially transformative boost to the sport’s profile in the region.
The scale of the Rugby World Cup is considerable. The tournament is widely considered the third-largest sporting event globally, and hosting it would be a watershed moment for rugby in Argentina, potentially elevating it to the second most popular sport in the country after football. Beyond the sporting impact, the economic benefits are substantial. France 2023, for example, generated a net economic impact of €871 million, with visitor spending reaching €1.8 billion, attracting approximately 600,000 international tourists who stayed an average of 10 days, according to official tournament data. France 2023 Economic Impact Report. Australia is likewise preparing to host in 2027 and 2029, with projections estimating a A$1.3 billion economic boost from the men’s tournament alone, anticipating 250,000 international visitors.
A Continent-Wide Effort, Grounded in Reality
The UAR’s vision isn’t simply about Argentina hosting; it’s about a collaborative effort across South America to showcase the region’s passion for the sport. During a recent visit to the Casa Rosada, Gilpin met with Karina Milei, Secretary General of the Presidency, and representatives from PromArgentina, the Argentine Agency for Investment and International Trade, reaffirming Argentina’s commitment to the bid. The UAR stated that the meeting underscored the importance of institutional guarantees for an event of this magnitude and a commitment to developing rugby in neighboring countries. Still, translating this ambition into reality requires navigating a complex landscape of infrastructure deficits, economic uncertainties, and logistical hurdles.
Currently, only two stadiums in Argentina meet international standards: the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires and the Estadio Único Madre de Ciudades in Santiago del Estero. Significant investment would be required to upgrade other venues in cities like La Plata, Mar del Plata, Mendoza, Córdoba, and Rosario. The Estadio Único de La Plata, once a state-of-the-art facility, is in need of substantial renovation, though the Argentine Football Association (AFA) has recently taken over its management with plans for improvement. Beyond the stadiums, Argentina’s internal connectivity presents a challenge. Frequent flights are expensive, and the country’s rail network is underdeveloped – a journey from Buenos Aires to Mendoza, for instance, now takes longer than it did four decades ago. Reliable and efficient transportation for fans traveling between matches is crucial for a successful tournament.
Economic and Regulatory Considerations
Argentina’s economic volatility adds another layer of complexity. Whereas the current macroeconomic situation is relatively stable, the microeconomy continues to face challenges. Predicting the economic climate ten years from now is, as one observer noted, a task even Nostradamus would hesitate to undertake. The success of the bid also hinges on securing government investment, a traditionally tough proposition given the current administration’s fiscal policies. Convincing policymakers that hosting the World Cup is a worthwhile investment will require a compelling economic argument and a demonstration of long-term benefits.
Argentina’s laws prohibit the sale of alcohol at sporting events, a significant revenue stream at international tournaments. During the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France, over 130,000 pints were sold at a single match between South Africa and Ireland, generating substantial income for organizers. Irish Mirror report on France 2023 alcohol sales. Addressing this regulatory hurdle will be essential to maximizing revenue potential.
Competition and the Path Forward
Argentina and South America face stiff competition from other potential hosts, particularly Spain, which is considering a joint bid with other European nations. Spain possesses the necessary infrastructure and enjoys the backing of established rugby powers like England and France, who wield considerable influence within World Rugby. Pichot acknowledges the competition and emphasizes the need for a unified and persuasive bid. He also points out that awarding the tournament to Argentina would mean three consecutive World Cups outside of Europe (Australia 2027, United States 2031, and Argentina 2035), potentially strengthening the case for a South American host.
The UAR, under Pichot’s leadership, has already begun the groundwork, securing the initial government support and initiating discussions with other South American nations. The next step involves developing a detailed bid proposal outlining infrastructure plans, financial projections, and logistical arrangements. Just as Lionel Scaloni guided Argentina’s football team to victory with Messi as his star player, the UAR and Sudamérica Rugby are relying on Pichot’s political acumen and experience to navigate the complex process and secure the necessary approvals from World Rugby.
The road ahead is undoubtedly challenging, but the potential rewards – for the sport, for the region, and for Argentina – are immense. The bid represents more than just a sporting endeavor; it’s an opportunity to showcase South America’s passion for rugby and its capacity to host a world-class event. The next key milestone will be the submission of a formal bid proposal to World Rugby, currently anticipated in late 2024 or early 2025, according to sources within the UAR.
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