Middle Eastern Trio Plans Joint Bid for Rugby World Cup
In a groundbreaking move, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Qatar are reportedly preparing a joint bid to host the Rugby World Cup (RWC) in either 2035 or 2039. This initiative marks a significant step for the Middle East, a region traditionally not associated with rugby, as it seeks to establish itself on the global sporting stage. The bid could reshape the landscape of international rugby and expand the sport’s reach into new territories.
Asia Rugby’s Backing and Vision
The proposed bid has garnered support from Asia Rugby, the governing body for the sport on the continent. Asia Rugby envisions a multi-country hosting model that would bring the prestigious tournament to the Gulf region, following the successful example set by Japan’s hosting of the RWC in 2019. This approach aligns with World Rugby’s openness to joint nation bids, as announced in October 2019, aiming to optimize delivery, financial, and legacy objectives.
If the bid is successful, it could significantly contribute to the long-term development of rugby in Asia, a region where the sport has been growing steadily but remains far behind traditional powerhouses like New Zealand, England, and South Africa. Hosting the event would introduce millions of new fans to rugby and create a legacy that could last for decades.
Challenges and Considerations
Hosting the RWC in the Middle East presents unique challenges. None of the Gulf states have previously participated in the Rugby World Cup, which would necessitate changes to World Rugby’s hosting eligibility rules that currently require all nations to qualify on merit. Additionally, the region’s extreme heat during traditional tournament months may require scheduling adjustments, potentially moving the event to cooler periods like December and January. This shift could impact the global rugby calendar and requires careful planning to minimize disruptions.
Furthermore, the sport’s infrastructure in these nations is still developing. Unlike football, which has seen rapid growth in the region, rugby remains a niche sport. Ensuring that stadiums, training facilities, and grassroots programs are up to international standards would be crucial in making the event a success.
Human Rights and Ethical Concerns
Potential human rights issues in the Gulf states could pose obstacles to the bid. Similar concerns were raised during Qatar’s hosting of the FIFA World Cup, highlighting the need for World Rugby to address these issues transparently. Ensuring the safety and rights of workers, athletes, tourists, and the press will be paramount to align with World Rugby’s human rights policies.
Many international sporting bodies, including FIFA and the International Olympic Committee, have faced criticism for awarding events to countries with questionable human rights records. To secure support from players, teams, and fans worldwide, the Middle Eastern bidders will need to demonstrate a commitment to improving conditions for workers and ensuring inclusivity and safety for all participants.
Financial Strength and Infrastructure
Despite these challenges, the Gulf nations’ substantial financial resources and existing sporting infrastructure provide a strong foundation for a successful bid. The region has demonstrated its capability to host major sporting events, with Qatar hosting the FIFA World Cup and Saudi Arabia set to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup as part of a £2.5 trillion mega project. These examples showcase the Gulf states’ commitment to investing in world-class facilities and their ambition to become central hubs for international sports.
The financial backing of these nations could allow for a Rugby World Cup unlike any before, featuring state-of-the-art stadiums, luxurious fan experiences, and cutting-edge technology to enhance the viewing experience both in person and for global audiences.
Growing Interest in Rugby
Interest in rugby is growing in the Middle East. New Zealand’s All Blacks have expressed openness to playing matches in the region, indicating a recognition of the expanding market and fan base. Discussions about hosting Nations Championship finals in Gulf states further reflect this increasing enthusiasm. Asia Rugby believes that hosting the RWC in the Middle East could tap into this burgeoning interest, potentially achieving record-breaking success in terms of revenue and attendance.
Several domestic rugby leagues and clubs have emerged in the region, with expatriate communities playing a significant role in driving the sport’s growth. International exposure through a Rugby World Cup could accelerate grassroots development and inspire a new generation of Gulf-based players.
World Rugby’s Host Selection Process
World Rugby has announced a joint selection process for future men’s and women’s Rugby World Cups, aiming to award hosting rights for multiple tournaments simultaneously. This integrated approach seeks to provide a strategic roadmap for hosting showcase events, encouraging collaborative bids that optimize delivery, financial, and legacy objectives. The Middle Eastern bid aligns with this vision, proposing a collaborative effort that could bring the sport to new audiences and regions.
With World Rugby eager to expand the game’s reach beyond its traditional strongholds, a successful bid from the Gulf states could signal a new era for the sport. While previous tournaments have primarily been hosted by established rugby nations, bringing the RWC to the Middle East would be a historic step in making rugby a truly global sport.
Conclusion
The joint bid by Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar to host the Rugby World Cup represents a bold and ambitious endeavor to bring one of the world’s premier sporting events to the Middle East. While challenges related to eligibility, scheduling, and human rights must be addressed, the region’s financial capabilities, existing infrastructure, and growing interest in rugby present compelling arguments in favor of the bid.
As World Rugby continues to explore new horizons, the Gulf states’ proposal could mark a significant milestone in the sport’s global expansion. If successful, this bid would not only change the perception of rugby in the Middle East but also create a lasting legacy for the game worldwide. Whether the bid will gain enough traction remains to be seen, but one thing is certain—the Gulf nations are ready to make their mark on the rugby world.
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