World Rugby has officially confirmed the locations for the next three women’s and two men’s Rugby World Cups, setting the stage for a huge global expansion of the game.
Find your local Greene King and settle in for the 2025 Six Nations!
At its Annual Meeting in Dublin, the governing body unanimously approved the following host nations, securing a stacked decade of top-tier international action:
- England – Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025
- Australia – Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027 & Women’s Rugby World Cup 2029
- USA – Men’s Rugby World Cup 2031 & Women’s Rugby World Cup 2033
World Rugby Chief Executive Alan Gilpin stressed the importance of the announcement, highlighting the sport’s commitment to long-term growth.
“As a sport, we need to constantly evolve and maximise our potential,” Gilpin said. “This approach ensures strong strategic objectives for each host nation while creating huge opportunities for fan engagement and investment in the game at all levels.”
With the USA getting its first taste of Rugby World Cup hosting duties, and Australia and England reinforcing their rugby pedigree, the next decade is shaping up to be a blockbuster for the sport.
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“Leader of men” – Springbok skipper Siya Kolisi named best rugby captain of all-time
The best rugby captains should have the following qualities:
- A great player
- Inspire confidence in their team
- Takes responsibility
- Lead by example
- Great sportsmanship
- Tactical knowhow
- Excellent communicator
- Emotional discipline
Greatest Ever Rugby Captains: Top 20
20. Phillipe Saint-Andre (France) – A dynamic winger turned coach, Saint-Andre’s speed and flair graced French rugby. His coaching prowess took him from player to national team leader, shaping the future of French rugby.
19. Lawrence Dallaglio (England) – A fearless back-row giant, Dallaglio captained England to Rugby World Cup glory in 2003. His powerful runs and tireless work ethic defined English rugby.
18. Sergio Parisse (Italy) – Italy’s rugby icon, Parisse’s leadership and skill at number 8 made him a legend. His dedication elevated Italian rugby on the world stage.
17. John Dawes (Wales) – A Welsh rugby hero, Dawes captained the British and Irish Lions to a historic series win against New Zealand in 1971, showcasing his tactical brilliance.
16. Will Carling (England) – Carling’s charisma and leadership made him an iconic England captain. His center partnership with Jeremy Guscott was legendary.
15. Agustín Pichot (Argentina) – Pichot’s tenacity and vision at scrum-half symbolized Argentine rugby’s rise. A Rugby World Cup semi-finalist and influential administrator.
14. John Smit (South Africa) – The captain of South Africa’s 2007 World Cup-winning team, Smit was an exceptional hooker known for his grit and leadership.
13. Paul O’Connell (Ireland) – A towering second-row, O’Connell led Ireland with passion and inspired his team to Six Nations victories. His work rate and lineout skills were unmatched.
12. Sean Fitzpatrick (New Zealand) – An All Blacks legend, Fitzpatrick’s precision at hooker and leadership defined an era of New Zealand dominance.
11. Sam Warburton (Wales) – Warburton, a superb openside flanker, captained Wales and the Lions. His commitment and turnover skills were pivotal to his teams.
10. Brian O’Driscoll (Ireland) – Ireland’s greatest ever center, O’Driscoll’s dazzling footwork and rugby IQ made him a true legend. An icon of the sport.
9. Sarah Hunter (England) – A powerhouse in the women’s game, Hunter led England to World Cup success and is a symbol of women’s rugby excellence.
8. Alun Wyn Jones (Wales) – Wales’ most-capped player, Jones is a relentless lock and captain. His durability and leadership have made him a modern-day legend.
7. Thierry Dusautoir (France) – Dusautoir, a fierce openside flanker, led France to a Rugby World Cup final and was known for his tackling and work rate.
6. Willie John McBride (Ireland) – An Irish and Lions legend, McBride’s leadership in the pack was legendary. His tough and physical style inspired a generation.
5. John Eales (Australia) – A giant of Australian rugby, Eales combined intelligence with athleticism as a lock. His leadership and kicking prowess were remarkable.
4. Francois Pienaar (South Africa) – Pienaar captained South Africa to their first Rugby World Cup victory in 1995, uniting a nation with his leadership and vision.
3. Richie McCaw (New Zealand) – A legendary openside flanker, McCaw’s breakdown mastery and leadership made him one of rugby’s all-time greats.
2. Martin Johnson (England) – A colossus in the second row, Johnson led England to their first and only Rugby World Cup victory in 2003. His presence and leadership were unparalleled.
1. Siya Kolisi (South Africa) – Kolisi, South Africa’s first black captain, led the Springboks to Rugby World Cup glory in 2019 and 2023, symbolising unity and excellence.
Editors picks:
- England legend Chris Ashton previews the Calcutta Cup clash with Scotland
- Gabby Logan’s son will start against England this weekend in the Six Nations
- Makers and Breakers: England team to play Scotland in 2025 Six Nations
- British & Irish Lions to play France in first match of its kind
You’ll have to be red-hot to get 15/15 in this 2010s Six Nations quiz
The Six Nations Championship, Europe’s premier rugby tournament, has delivered unforgettable moments and showcased some of the game’s greatest players.
From stunning tries to epic battles, the 2010s were packed with rugby brilliance.
Can you name the players who lit up the tournament during this golden decade? You’ll need to be on top form to get 15/15—are you up for the challenge? Let’s kick off!
The post The hosts for the next five Rugby World Cup’s have already been locked in appeared first on Ruck.
