Argentina pushes for 2035 Rugby World Cup as South Africa told to wait

Argentina is pushing to host the 2035 Rugby World Cup, with a regional bid gaining momentum, while superpower South Africa has been told it won’t host the tournament ‘in the near future’.

The development is likely to frustrate South African rugby fans hoping to see the Rugby World Cup return to local shores for the first time in 40 years.

Argentina’s 2035 Rugby World Cup bid gains traction

Argentina is preparing an ambitious bid to host the 2035 Rugby World Cup, potentially becoming the first South American nation to stage the tournament.

World Rugby CEO Alan Gilpin is currently in Argentina on a fact-finding mission, signalling that the bid is being taken seriously.

Formal bids for the 2035 Rugby World Cup are expected to be submitted later this year.

The proposal is expected to be a regional collaboration between Argentina, Brazil, Chile and Uruguay, a model increasingly used for major global sporting events.

“It looks like it’s maybe going to happen,” said world news correspondent Vicki Turner on CapeTalk, pointing to growing momentum behind the South American bid.

Strong competition for the 2035 tournament

Argentina’s bid will face stiff competition.

Japan, Spain and Italy are all preparing bids, while a joint Middle East proposal is also expected, although it is considered unlikely to succeed.

Despite the competition, Argentina’s rugby culture and passionate fan base are seen as key strengths.

“I like Argentine rugby, so I’d quite like it [World Cup] to go there. I think it’d be a very passionate affair if nothing else,” the station’s Lester Kiewit said.

South Africa told to wait for next Rugby World Cup hosting chance

The update comes as a blow to South African hopes of hosting the Rugby World Cup again.

SA Rugby has indicated that the country is not in line to host the tournament soon.

“I’m a little bit disappointed… not in the near future will South Africa get the Rugby World Cup,” said Kiewit.

This means local rugby supporters may have to wait years before the tournament returns to South Africa.

Cost and travel concerns raised

For some South African fans, Argentina could still be an attractive option if the 2035 Rugby World Cup bid succeeds.

“The only place that you mentioned here that the South African rand can actually afford,” Kiewit said, highlighting cost considerations for travelling supporters.

Others welcomed the prospect of combining rugby with South American culture.

“I really would love to be enjoying some beef and some Malbec in Argentina and some rugby in 2035,” said Turner.

For more information, listen to Turner on CapeTalk's Good Morning Cape Town with Lester Kiewit using the audio player below: