Seattle Pitches to Host Rugby World Cup Matches

City aims to capitalize on growing rugby popularity in the U.S.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 9:48pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Seattle is one of 27 cities and regions that have applied to host matches for the 2031 Men's Rugby World Cup and the 2033 Women's Rugby World Cup, major international rugby tournaments that the U.S. will be hosting. The city's bid is welcomed by Major League Rugby co-president Alexander Magleby, who says Seattle is 'one of our great Rugby hubs in the United States' with a passionate fan base for the local Seawolves team.

Why it matters

Hosting Rugby World Cup matches would be a major boost for Seattle's sports scene and tourism industry, building on the city's reputation as a hub for rugby in the U.S. as the sport continues to grow in popularity nationwide.

The details

World Rugby, the sport's governing body, confirmed in October that Seattle is one of the applicants to host matches for the 2031 Men's Rugby World Cup and 2033 Women's Rugby World Cup. Major League Rugby co-president Alexander Magleby praised Seattle as 'one of our great Rugby hubs' with a passionate fan base for the local Seawolves team, saying the city would be a 'great' choice for the Rugby World Cup.

  • In October 2026, World Rugby confirmed that Seattle is one of 27 applicants to host Rugby World Cup matches.
  • The 2031 Men's Rugby World Cup and 2033 Women's Rugby World Cup will both be hosted in the United States.

The players

Alexander Magleby

Co-president of Major League Rugby.

Seawolves

Seattle's professional rugby team that plays in Major League Rugby and has one of the more passionate fan bases in the league.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Seattle fans, in general, are just awesome. You look at the support they get around the Sounders, and they really got into that. That was really the first MLS team that showed what supporters could do.”

— Alexander Magleby, Co-president, Major League Rugby

“If I'm World Rugby and making a pick on places to be, I would say that is a great city for the Rugby World Cup.”

— Alexander Magleby, Co-president, Major League Rugby

What’s next

World Rugby is expected to announce the host cities for the 2031 Men's Rugby World Cup and 2033 Women's Rugby World Cup in 2027.

The takeaway

Seattle's bid to host Rugby World Cup matches reflects the growing popularity of rugby in the U.S. and the city's reputation as a hub for the sport. Securing the events would be a major boost for Seattle's sports scene and tourism industry.