Deep Dive: World Rugby confirms US as 2031 Rugby World Cup host despite concerns over sport's health and Major League Rugby struggles

From a geopolitical lens, the confirmation of the US as host for the 2031 Rugby World Cup underscores the strategic push by World Rugby (World Rugby, the global governing body for rugby union) to expand the sport into North America, a region traditionally dominated by American football, basketball, and baseball. This move aligns with broader US interests in diversifying its sports portfolio and leveraging major events for economic and soft power gains, similar to past hosts like the 1994 FIFA World Cup co-hosted with others. Key actors include World Rugby, whose decision prioritizes long-term growth over immediate domestic challenges, and Major League Rugby (Major League Rugby, the top professional rugby union competition in North America), whose struggles highlight vulnerabilities in infrastructure and fan base development. As an international affairs correspondent, the cross-border implications are significant: the event will draw teams from rugby powerhouses like New Zealand, South Africa, and England, fostering global migration of fans, players, and officials. This could boost US tourism revenues and trade in sports merchandise, affecting economies beyond North America, particularly in rugby-stronghold nations in the Southern Hemisphere whose federations contribute to World Rugby's governance. Humanitarian and migration angles are minimal, but the tournament's scale may strain local resources in host cities, echoing challenges seen in events like the 2026 FIFA World Cup co-hosted by the US. Regionally, rugby's cultural footprint in the US is nascent, rooted in immigrant communities from Britain, Ireland, Australia, and South Africa, with growth spurred by the 2016 centennial tests and 2024 Olympics inclusion of rugby sevens. The sport's health concerns stem from low professional attendance and financial woes in Major League Rugby, yet World Rugby's vote of confidence signals investment in grassroots programs and stadium upgrades. Stakeholders like US Rugby Union stand to gain visibility, but success hinges on overcoming cultural barriers where rugby competes with entrenched NFL and college football loyalties. Outlook suggests potential for rugby's mainstream breakthrough if marketing targets youth and women, mirroring soccer's post-1994 trajectory, with implications for global sports diplomacy.