CAPE TOWN, South Africa – South Africa and New Zealand are unlikely to host a Rugby World Cup in the foreseeable future, according to SA Rugby chief executive Rian Oberholzer. The announcement, made Monday, signals a shift in World Rugby’s priorities toward maximizing revenue, even at the expense of tradition and the historical success of the two nations.
Oberholzer stated that neither country can generate the financial returns World Rugby now demands from its premier tournament. “We have moved away from the philosophy that everybody must get an equal chance to host a World Cup,” he told reporters in Cape Town. “New Zealand and South Africa will not produce the money out of a World Cup that World Rugby needs. I don’t think It’s a negative on us, it is more what is more important for the best interests of World Rugby.”
The Springboks and All Blacks collectively hold seven of the ten Rugby World Cup titles, with South Africa winning in 1995 and 2023, and New Zealand claiming victory in 1987, 2011, and 2015. Despite this dominance, and the acclaim received for past tournaments hosted by both nations – New Zealand in 1987 and 2011, and South Africa in 1995 – Oberholzer emphasized that financial viability is now paramount.
The decision comes as World Rugby seeks to bolster its financial position, with the World Cup serving as its primary revenue stream to fund the global game. Recent financial reports reflect the financial pressures facing both nations; New Zealand Rugby reported a deficit of US$11.5 million in 2024, while SA Rugby faced a deficit of US$5.3 million.
The next two men’s Rugby World Cups are slated for Australia in 2027 and the United States thereafter. Several other nations are vying for the 2035 tournament, including Spain, Japan, and a potential joint bid from Argentina, Uruguay, Chile, and Brazil. Interest from the Middle East – Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE – is also emerging. Italy is also considering bids for 2035 or 2039.
Oberholzer explained that the shift in focus is driven by the need to secure funding for all member unions. “The Rugby World Cup is the only revenue stream for World Rugby that must fund the whole ecosystem,” he said. “All the members must get some funding out of the Rugby World Cup. World Rugby must take the tournament to where it can generate the most revenue and go where there is support from local and national governments.”
The SA Rugby CEO acknowledged that the situation presents a challenge for South Africa moving forward. He stated that the governing body cannot expect to host a tournament that generates less revenue than events held in other regions and simultaneously demand a significant share of the resulting funds. “We can’t complain and ask for a World Cup in your country, make less money and then want the biggest slice of the cake when it comes to the annual grant that comes from World Rugby,” he said.
Oberholzer’s comments also cast doubt on previous reports suggesting South Africa might bid to host the 2035 tournament. While discussions were reportedly underway with World Rugby last year to assess the feasibility of a bid, the current outlook appears bleak.
