Selection of hosts

The World Rugby Council selects Rugby World Cup hosts after a comprehensive process to identify candidates that align with the strategic requirements of a growing global sport.

France was awarded Rugby World Cup 2023 by the World Rugby Council on 15 November, 2017 following two rounds of voting. France received 24 votes to South Africa’s 15 in the final round of voting. In the first round, France had received 18 votes to South Africa’s 13 and Ireland’s eight.

Almost a year to the day later, New Zealand were awarded the hosting rights to Rugby World Cup 2021 by the World Rugby Council on 14 November, 2018. A first women’s Rugby World Cup in the southern hemisphere was guaranteed with Australia the other host candidates.

The host locations for the next five Rugby World Cups through to 2033 – two men’s and three women’s – were confirmed in Dublin in May 2022. READ MORE >>