Vancouver is among the cities that have submitted letters of Intent to continue in the host city selection process for the 2031 Men’s Rugby World Cup in the United States.
Vancouver was the lone Canadian name among the 27 “cities and areas” released by World Rugby at the United by Rugby Summit in Chicago, on the eve of Saturday’s test match between the second-ranked New Zealand All Blacks and No. 3 Ireland at Soldier Field.
The other applicants are Arizona, Atlanta, Baltimore, Birmingham, Boston, Charlotte, Chicago, Cincinnati, Denver, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles region, Miami, Minneapolis, Nashville, New Orleans, New York/New Jersey, Orlando, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Salt Lake City, San Diego, San Francisco Bay Area, Seattle, St. Louis and Washington D.C.
Over the next 14 months World Rugby and USA Rugby will evaluate the potential cities and venues.
The list of applicants will be trimmed at the end of 2026, with those surviving the cut moving into the so-called “candidate phase.” World Rugby looks to announce the final selection of host cities and venues following the completion of the 2027 World Cup in Australia.
The 2027 World Cup features an expanded field of 24 teams, including Canada.
Vancouver has enjoyed success in staging the Canada Sevens, part of the HSBC SVNS series. B.C. Place Stadium also hosted the WXV 1 women’s 15s tournament last year.
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This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 31, 2025.
The Canadian Press
