Spain Proposes Iconic Stadiums for 2035 Rugby World Cup Bid

Spain's Ambitious Rugby World Cup Bid

Spain has officially entered the race to host the 2035 Men's Rugby World Cup, bringing forth an impressive lineup of venues that includes some of the nation’s most iconic football stadiums. The Royal Spanish Rugby Federation (RFER) announced this initiative on October 15, detailing its bold plans to stage the prestigious tournament for the first time.

Impressive Venue Lineup

Among the proposed stadiums are Real Madrid's Santiago Bernabeu and Barcelona's Camp Nou, both known for their grand capacity and state-of-the-art facilities. Additionally, Atletico Madrid's Metropolitano Stadium has also been included in the bid. This diverse selection of venues underscores Spain's ambition to leverage its existing sports infrastructure to accommodate rugby’s biggest event.

Utilizing Existing Infrastructure

The RFER is keen to capitalize on the infrastructure that will be developed for the upcoming 2030 Men’s Football World Cup, which Spain will co-host alongside Portugal and Morocco. In its bid proposals, the federation emphasizes that the success of the rugby event will be supported by existing transport systems, security protocols, and volunteer management strategies honed during the organization of the football tournament.

“World Rugby has made this tournament a symbol of excellence in our sport. It is a tremendous honor for Spain to express its interest in hosting it,” stated Juan Carlos Martin “Hansen,” executive president of the RFER, as reported by various news outlets.

Rugby’s Growing Presence in Spain

Martin further articulated the growing significance of rugby in Spain, noting, “Rugby is becoming an integral part of our national identity. Collaborating with World Rugby, we aim to make the 2035 Rugby World Cup a transformative event that will enhance the sport’s global reach for future generations.”

Facing Strong Competition

While Spain's bid is certainly ambitious, it does face tough competition from established rugby nations. Japan, which successfully hosted the tournament in 2019, has expressed its desire to bring the event back, while Argentina has submitted a regional bid involving neighboring South American countries. If Spain's bid is successful, it would mark the first time European venues have hosted the Rugby World Cup since France organized the 2023 edition, which concluded with South Africa winning the trophy for the fourth time.

Spain's Rugby Future

Looking ahead, Spain has already qualified for the 2027 Rugby World Cup set in Australia, marking its first appearance in the men's tournament since 1999. Furthermore, the 2031 edition will take place in the United States, as the country continues to champion the sport.

With its rich football history and commitment to expanding rugby's footprint, Spain's aspiration to host the 2035 Rugby World Cup represents an exciting chapter in the nation’s sporting narrative.