Who should host the 2023 Rugby World Cup? [Archive]

JimB

July 28th, 2010, 04:42 PM

Argentina, or Italy.

But I think that rugby union will be dead after OG 2016.

Rugby7s is coming!

Rugby 7's will never take over from the 15 man game. It's been around for over 120 years and it's still nothing more than an amusing, occasional alternative to proper rugby union.

This isn't like Test cricket and T20 cricket. T20 caught the public imagination because the the five day game is just too much for most people. The action is too slow for all but the connoisseur. Even one day games are too much for many people. T20 is perfect at about two hours.

You don't get the same issues with 15 man rugby. It lasts for 80 minutes and it is packed full of action. Shortening the game will lessen the drama - not increase it.

Rugby 7's games only last 15 minutes. They therefore only work as part of a tournament. They can't stand alone. You won't get people flocking from all over the country to watch, for instance, England play New Zealand for 15 minutes of rugby 7's at Twickenham. It wouldn't be worth the hassle.

Rugby 7's is also a bit samey. No proper scrums or lineouts. No classic forward play. Just chucking the ball from side to side and then running for the try line once the opposition are too knackered to tackle. Sure, teams score lots of tries. But, like basketball, when there are so many scoring efforts, they lose their impact and ability to thrill. It's too easy to score a try in rugby 7's.

It's an amusing diversion, certainly, and will work well at the Olympics.

But it lacks the substance of the main course that is proper rugby union.

JimB

July 28th, 2010, 04:50 PM

And due to the elitist nature of the game they quite likely never will.

In what way is the game elitist?

If the likes of Romania, Spain, Russia and Georgia can all have rugby teams with aspirations to qualify for the World Cup, I see no good reason why Germany can't too.

Walbanger

July 28th, 2010, 06:31 PM

In what way is the game elitist?

If the likes of Romania, Spain, Russia and Georgia can all have rugby teams with aspirations to qualify for the World Cup, I see no good reason why Germany can't too.

Well said, and who said anyone has to buy into that old elitist crap?
Its a bloody good game which has far too much merit to be know merely as a Private School / Upper class game. That been said Rugby League is great as well. Golf, Squash, Rowing etc can also be looked at as elitist but the reality is they are wholesome recreational pursuits for anyone.

As for rugby in Germany, would it be right to consider the American military influence with fostering American Football in Germany?
Does American football hold the "Colision Sport" niche in Germany that Rugby has in the UK, Ireland, Italy and France?

Archbishop

July 28th, 2010, 06:35 PM

USA! Haha.

Walbanger

July 28th, 2010, 07:32 PM

USA! Haha.

Wouldn't mind seeing that. Venues aren't as clear cut as it seems though because of the larger Rugby dimensions and typical high fenced frontrows of American Football stadiums which would mess up the sightlines even if you could squeeze a rugby field in.

I can't think of one NFL stadium that would fit an uncompromised Rugby field (68m / 100m + 2x 11m deep ingoal areas). The fact that Old Trafford will host games in the 2015 RWC says that the IRB is willing to be flexible. Field width is also up to compromise, under the IRB rules a field can by under the proper 68m / 70m if it has been agreed to by both teams before hand. Australia has taken issue with Scotland and Argentina in the past for preparing a 65m wide field without notifying to the Australians in an attempt to limit the effect of the Australian outside backs.

So when considering the Old Traffort precedent, given full notice and agreement, I can't see why the IRB wouldn't let RWC matches played on a pitch (65m / 100m + 2x 8m ingoal areas). That should make a few more venues available. Legion Field and Rentschler Field are the only stadiums I can think of off the top of my head where a proper Rugby Union field can fit.

I'd imagine the use of 8 college football or MLB stadiums (if they can fit) of the 40 000 to 50 000 range. Plus 2 or 3 60 000+ College or NFL stadiums. As for where, I'd say keep it in the North East, California and Colorado where there is some what of a rugby community. Can't imagine the South being interested but I'd love to be proven wrong. I have no idea about the midwest.

Alternatively a Canadian RWC could use the CFL stadiums.

CharlieP

July 28th, 2010, 07:37 PM

As for where, I'd say keep it in the North East, California and Colorado where there is some what of a rugby community. Can't imagine the South being interested but I'd love to be proven wrong.

San Francisco has hosted plenty of Tests in the past. San Diego and Las Vegas have hosted the IRB Sevens. Houston hosted a USA v South Africa Test in 2001 that was very well attended.

Archbishop

July 28th, 2010, 07:43 PM

Wouldn't mind seeing that. Venues aren't as clear cut as it seems though because of the larger Rugby dimensions and typical high fenced frontrows of American Football stadiums which would mess up the sightlines even if you could squeeze a rugby field in.

I can't think of one NFL stadium that would fit an uncompromised Rugby field (68m / 100m + 2x 11m deep ingoal areas). The fact that Old Trafford will host games in the 2015 RWC says that the IRB is willing to be flexible. Field width is also up to compromise, under the IRB rules a field can by under the proper 68m / 70m if it has been agreed to by both teams before hand. Australia has taken issue with Scotland and Argentina in the past for preparing a 65m wide field without notifying to the Australians in an attempt to limit the effect of the Australian outside backs.

So when considering the Old Traffort precedent, given full notice and agreement, I can't see why the IRB wouldn't let RWC matches played on a pitch (65m / 100m + 2x 8m ingoal areas). That should make a few more venues available. Legion Field and Rentschler Field are the only stadiums I can think of off the top of my head where a proper Rugby Union field can fit.

I'd imagine the use of 8 college football or MLB stadiums (if they can fit) of the 40 000 to 50 000 range. Plus 2 or 3 60 000+ College or NFL stadiums. As for where, I'd say keep it in the North East, California and Colorado where there is some what of a rugby community. Can't imagine the South being interested but I'd love to be proven wrong. I have no idea about the midwest.

Alternatively a Canadian RWC could use the CFL stadiums.

I'd think that Chicago would be the best place in the Midwest. Besides that Denver and SLC and Philadelphia and cities like those would be the best.

crazyalex

July 28th, 2010, 07:59 PM

Spain and Germany host RWC lol

Thank for laugh

Walbanger

July 28th, 2010, 08:04 PM

San Francisco has hosted plenty of Tests in the past. San Diego and Las Vegas have hosted the IRB Sevens. Houston hosted a USA v South Africa Test in 2001 that was very well attended.

Yeah, pretty cool. Do you know where it was played?

CharlieP

July 28th, 2010, 08:26 PM

Yeah, pretty cool. Do you know where it was played?

Robertson Stadium, 1 December 2001.

flierfy

July 28th, 2010, 09:08 PM

In what way is the game elitist?
The world's best teams are well kept away from those down the ranks and play virtually only themself. Finishing third in your World Cup group is enough to re-qualify for the next World Cup finals. Not to mention the closed shops of the Tri- and Six-Nationes.

Compare that to football where even the ruling World Champion has to enter the qualifying stage with games against the likes of San Marino.

Walbanger

July 28th, 2010, 09:35 PM

The world's best teams are well kept away from those down the ranks and play virtually only themself. Finishing third in your World Cup group is enough to re-qualify for the next World Cup finals. Not to mention the closed shops of the Tri- and Six-Nationes.

Compare that to football where even the ruling World Champion has to enter the qualifying stage with games against the likes of San Marino.

What good are results such as Australia 142 Namibia 0?
It's not elitist, it's just the reality of keeping a competitive schedule.

The Tri Nations is a made for television tournament by Murdoch. Inclusion of other countries has more to do with the interests of New Ltd then that of SANZAR. If it was totally up to the Unions, they would want to see a presence from the Pacific and Argentina. Argentina is now joining in 2012.

The 6 nations has spent years in getting Italy up to level, Romania has fallen behind since its more competitve days when Ceauşescu was around. So after Italy, where to they go?

...and what to do with Japan, Canada, the US and even Russia.

Archbishop

July 28th, 2010, 11:37 PM

I'd think that Chicago would be the best place in the Midwest. Besides that Denver and SLC and Philadelphia and cities like those would be the best.

I was thinking about this and something like

New York: Red Bull Arena
Chicago: Soldier Field or Toyota Park
Boston: Gillette Stadium
Denver: Invesco Field
San Diego: Qualcomm/New Chargers Stadium
San Francisco Bay Area: Stanford Stadium or new 49ers Stadium
Salt Lake City: Rice-Eccles Stadium
Las Vegas: Sam Boyd Stadium
Houston: Reliant Stadium
Columbus: Crew Stadium
Los Angeles: Home Depot Center
Seattle: Qwest Field

Would be a good group. The final would be best in San Francisco IMO.

LiamO

July 29th, 2010, 11:23 AM

There are numerous options.

IRB also like to think what it will do for the game in general. So make sure we take note of that when considering.

South Africa
We could go to South Africa were it would be financially viable, and it has some great stadiums that could be utilized. However I don't think it would do much for the game over here. Rugby is pretty big as it is. Lots of $$$ could be made.

- Nelson Mandella Stadium
- Cape Town Stadium
- Soccer City
- Ellis Park
- Moses Mhadiba Stadium
- Vodacom Park
- Loftus Versfeld
- Mbombela Stadium
- Rustenburg

Pretty much the same venues for the 2010 FIFA WC.

Australia
There is Australia where it could do wonders for the game again. If Australia pull there neck in Rugby and start winning games, taking games to places like Adelaide, Western Sydney and the Gold Coast would do absolute wonders for Rugby, and a RWC would open up those areas. A revamped Adelaide Oval, a Rectangular ANZ Stadium (I like most of Western Sydney am hopeful this occurs). I think if Australia do not win the rights to the FIFA WC in 2022, the Government will assist the ARU in funding for it. If 2022 is secured for the Aussies they will save their bid for the RWC until 2027. I think it would have to be combined with NZ though. But only a few of NZ stadiums will and should be used as it is not financially viable. By then NZ's stadiums would have had to still be upgraded.

Stadiums which could be used for an Aussie & NZ Bid.

- SFS (Upgraded hopefully, it will be very old by 2023)
- ANZ Stadium (It should be rectanguarlised by then surely)
- Suncorp Stadium
- MCG (Needs to be bigger than MRS, possibly Eithiad, but I hear it's a shit stadium for Rugby especially the surface)
- Adelaide Oval
- Subiaco Oval (Perth's stadium is shit though, hopefully they build a new one by then)
- Newcastle Stadium/ Townsville/ Gold Coast (2 of those 3)
- Canberra Stadium

NZ with 4 venues
- New Dunedin Stadium
- Auckland Stadium (As shit as it is to host a RWC Final)
- Wellington Stadium
- Christchurch Stadium

It needs to be financially viable so NZ cannot have many venues and understandably.

Italy
I still think Italy should have won rights for 2019, and NZ should have never got anywhere near hosting this thing. With Japan hosting 2011 and England 2015.

Italy have some fantastic stadia and they should be valued. Not to mention it is very close to other European Rugby countries who would happily come over for a match or two and it would be great. It would also do great for Rugby in their country. If it was held earlier it could have been a great success. But I think they should be a contender and definetely deserve it.

Argentina
Would do a great job for Rugby in their country. They responded well to the Argentina U/20 JWC with some great attendance figures. They probably need to make a few improvements on Stadiums, if they were ever a chance to win rights to FIFA WC, FIFA would want to see a event like this to show that they have the muscle to cater for it. IRB will see what a positive impact it could have on Rugby in Argentina and in South America for that matter.

Canada and US Bid
Not viable for 2023. Hopefully 2027 they produce a bid. Joint or just Canada it would make for a fantastic RWC. Would do great for Rugby in Canada, in the US, I'm still not sold on that. The 1994 FIFA WC, didn't do much for Soccer.

1772

July 29th, 2010, 03:13 PM

How would the US do?
Imagine the world cup be played at NFL stadias. :D

Archbishop

July 29th, 2010, 04:46 PM

in the US, I'm still not sold on that. The 1994 FIFA WC, didn't do much for Soccer.

Besides create a domestic league that's still running today. Yep, besides that nothing.

Harry1990

July 29th, 2010, 05:14 PM

you could argue the same elitist crap in football. the same 8-10 teams progress to the later stages of the football world cup.

and probably about 30-35 teams have a realistic shot of qualifing for the football wc, you never see india or togo or luxembourg etc at the FCW do you.

i mentioned germang, spain etc as they are near the big 6 european nations, which bring a lot of fans, the flights and other travel options would not be overly expensive so i reckon a lot of fans would come. they have good infrastructure and the game would be spread around to different places.

CharlieP

July 29th, 2010, 11:56 PM

Bobby3

July 30th, 2010, 12:59 AM

In regards to a US bid: Boston, New York, Washington, Charlotte, Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Seattle, San Francisco, and San Diego currently support top level teams here.

I think that should be taken into account, given that those cities (and Berkeley) are the backbone of the small rugby union community here.

crazyalex

July 30th, 2010, 01:52 AM

[del]

IHaveNoLegs

July 31st, 2010, 04:26 AM

If 2022 is secured for the Aussies they will save their bid for the RWC until 2027. I think it would have to be combined with NZ though.
What makes you say that?
I would have thought a country backing itself to be the sole host of a FIFA World Cup would have no problems hosting the Rugby World Cup on its own.

LiamO

August 1st, 2010, 03:09 AM

What makes you say that?
I would have thought a country backing itself to be the sole host of a FIFA World Cup would have no problems hosting the Rugby World Cup on its own.
We could easily host it solely. But I think NZ will want a bit of it, as I can't see NZ ever hosting a sporting event like this ever again. Hence why NZ might want a piece of it. Maybe the IRB wouldn't allow that to happen though. They are hesitant of it happening with Japan 2019 and having Honkers have some games.

Andre_idol

August 1st, 2010, 03:16 AM

After 2010 FIFA World cup success so SA can host 2023 World cup with reuse of our stadium

This.

crazydude

August 3rd, 2010, 08:15 AM

I think that SA could easily do it, but the IRB may give it to Argentina to grow the game. Hopefully it doesn't go back to Europe in 2023 though.

An SA bid would likely have the 10 2010 WC stadiums, plus a few other smaller ones. The stadiums are listed at their current capacities, but Moses Mabhida and Cape Town Stadium can be easily expanded as they were for the FIFA World Cup.

High likely:

Joburg
Soccer City 94 700 (final, and likely opening game)
Ellis Park 61 000 (possible semi final)

Durban
Moses Mabhida Stadium 54 000 (possible semi final)

Cape Town
Cape Town Stadium 55 000 (possible opening game and semi)

Port Elizabeth
Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium 44 000 (possible quarter)

Pretoria (maybe Twshane by then)
Loftus Versfeld 50 000 (possible quater)

Likely:

Rustenburg (technically Phokeng)
Royal Bafokeng Stadium 42 000

Bloemfontein
Free State Stadium 40 000

Nelspruit
Mbombela Stadium 40 000

Possible:

Joburg
Orlando Stadium 40 000

Cape Town
Newlands 52 000 (if it still exists by then)

Durban
Kings Park 55 000

Polokwane
Peter Mokaba Stadium 42 000

Rustenburg
Olympia Park 30 000

East London
Buffalo City Stadium 16 000

George
Outeniqua Park 10 000

Stellenbosh
Danie Craven Stadium 16 000

Kimberly
Hoffe Park Stadium 18 000

I added some of the smaller venues, as rugby world cups are normally more spread out than soccer world cups. Also, the attendances normally vary more, and the fields take way more damage, thus fewer matches per stadium.

lwa

August 6th, 2010, 01:47 PM

2023 will very much depend on wether Japan is looking to be a comercial success at the time the decision is made - thats the reason England are getting 2015 (well, one of the reasons) since they are a banker after the disaster that is 2011. (im sure 2011 will be a great tournament in a great country, but many of the venues are too small. Only 2 over 30k FFS!)

If Japan is shaping up to be a financial mess like NZ, then I can't see 2023 being anywhere other than South Africa (although a joint bid from any/all of Scotland/Wales/Ireland might be considered - I reckon Scotland and Ireland could lay on a good tournament, but not sure there would be the public support to make the scottish half a roaring success. would love to be proved wrong)

If however Japan is going to be a success story, then I suspect the IRB will be keen to take the tournament to other 'non-traditional' nations. That being the case, take your pick from Argentina or Italy. Truth be told, I would be delighted with either, although not sure I could afford Argentina just 4 years after Japan. (I know, that last bit is just selfish ;) )

Mo Rush

August 7th, 2010, 08:31 PM

South Africa or USA.

IHaveNoLegs

August 8th, 2010, 11:10 AM

crazydude

August 8th, 2010, 11:52 AM

7 not 2

Eden Park, Lancaster Park, Westpac Stadium and Rotorua International Stadium, will be over 30 000. Waikato Stadium, North Harbour, and Forsyth Bar Stadium/Carisbrook (that's quite a mess up there), will all likely be under 30 000 due to press seating, hospitalty areas, and covered seats due to poor sightlines.

lwa

August 8th, 2010, 03:19 PM

7 not 2

OK, some of the grounds are slightly bigger than I first thought - so let me rephrase that: only 2 ground over 40k (and one only just at 45k)

Compare that to France, which used:

Stade de France (80k)
Millenium Stadium ( 73.5K)
Murrayfield (67k)
Stade de Veledrome (59k)
Parc Des Princes (47.8K)
Stade Felix Bollaert (41.k)
Stade de Gerland (41k)

All bigger than the 3rd biggest venue in New Zealand (5 of them bigger than the 2nd biggest in New Zealand, and 3 bigger than the biggest in NZ)

Add to that that the smallest venue used in France was 34k, compared to 9 grounds that are smaller in NZ (indeed, only 4 venues in NZ are bigger than the Stade de la Mosson), and that venues were packed for pretty much every game in france, and its very easy to why RWC 2011 is shaping up to be a financial disaster.

Dont get me wrong, I am sure New Zealand will put on a great show, and will make for a memorable time for all who visit the country (I am gutted I can't find the time to - as I type this I have the brochure beside my PC and am seriously jealous of my mates who have booked up :( )

But when the dust settles, the figures will not make for good reading for the IRB, and hence they decided not to risk taking the 2015 tournament to Japan (and it is a risk - in my opinion, it is a risk worth taking, but it is still a risk)

England however is a virtually garunteed financial success - or as close as you can get in this sport.

Alx-D

August 8th, 2010, 03:33 PM

Weebie

August 8th, 2010, 04:07 PM

Yeah New Zealand hosting this thing is a waste of time and clearly the country is struggling to host anything similar to What Australia did in 2003 and France did in 2007. considering the tv rights, location and attendance this is a huge step back and Japan should of had it this time around.

Italy or USA shoulf get it

crazydude

August 8th, 2010, 06:24 PM

What are the stadium requirements for a RWC? I know a rugby field will fit easily within any CFL stadium, but how many stadiums of what capacity would be required? We are starting to build new or renovated stadiums across the country, and a RWC would be a good way to help pay for them.

How big are CFL fields? I ask as NFL fields are normally too small for rugby. A rugby field needs to be 100m by 70m, with 2 'in goal areas' (I think they call them end zones in the US and Canada) of about 10m to 20m. The IRB seem to be quite flexible though, especially with the in goal areas, as some of the English football stadiums will struggle to fit the fields.

As for the stadium sizes, I don't think the IRB are too strict, nothing like FIFA. Probably something like 10 to 15 stadiums, at least 30 000 seats, and a 60 000 seater for the semis and final.

lwa

August 8th, 2010, 06:46 PM

How big are CFL fields? I ask as NFL fields are normally too small for rugby. A rugby field needs to be 100m by 70m, with 2 'in goal areas' (I think they call them end zones in the US and Canada) of about 10m to 20m. The IRB seem to be quite flexible though, especially with the in goal areas, as some of the English football stadiums will struggle to fit the fields.

As for the stadium sizes, I don't think the IRB are too strict, nothing like FIFA. Probably something like 10 to 15 stadiums, at least 30 000 seats, and a 60 000 seater for the semis and final.

most of the NZ stadiums are in the range 20,000-30,000 - dont think the IRB actually have any form of guidance on the matter though... so long as the stadiums are of what they deem a 'reasonable size'. In a country with the facilities/population of Canada, they may want something slightly larger than 60k for the final? I doubt they would any bother filling it for the final, since Canada is relativley easy to get to/find accomodation in ect.

They are however slightly stricter on the field size when it comes to RWC's - technically, there are no minimum dimensions for a rugby pitch (except for the ingoals), just maximums. (in reality, I think there is a lower limit for international competitions) However, in France atleast, the IRB wanted every pitch to be of identical size (otherwise the choice of venue may be to team A's advantage/disadvantage). I know this was enforced, since I sat behind the posts at Murrayfield wondering why the pitch was about 10 metres further away than it normally is - the pitch at Murrayfield is the biggest you can get at 70mX144m including the in-goal areas, but was reduced to (I think) 68mX120m for the RWC. They dont require any particular dimensions, only that all venues have the same dimensions.

Alx-D

August 11th, 2010, 05:32 PM

Alx-D

August 11th, 2010, 05:33 PM

*edit-double posted for some reason

crazydude

August 12th, 2010, 08:49 AM

A Canadian football field is much larger than an American field. Ours are 65x150 yards (110 yard field plus two 20 yard end zones). That is roughly 60x137m, and there is enough space on the sidelines to accommodate a 68m wide FIFA pitch. We could easily go 68x130m (15m end zones) without any stadium modification.

Useable Canadian stadiums would be:

Stadé Olympique, Montréal- 66,300*
BC Place, Vancouver- 60,000
Commonwealth Stadium, Edmonton- 60,000
SkyDome, Toronto- 52,200
Proposed Rough Riders Stadium- 35,000-50,000**
Blue Bombers Stadium- 40,000**
McMahon Stadium, Calgary- 46,000*
Pan Am Stadium, Hamilton- 25,000-35,000**
Frank Clair Stadium, Ottawa- 25,000+
Percival Molson Stadium, Montreal- 25,000
PEPS Stadium, Quebec City- 10,200, would need an expansion for CFL or RWC

*Capacity listed with Grey Cup temporary seating
**Currently proposed stadiums

Thanks for the info on CFL fields, but I still think that 2023 will go to a 'safe option'. 2019 in Japan is about growing the game, so for 2023 I expect the IRB will want the WC back in traditional rugby playing country. Excluding England and NZ, that would leave Australia (2003 hosts), France (2007) , a Ireland/Scotland/Wales bid (have been part hosts before) and South Africa (1995). The only other option I can think of would be Argentina.

T74

August 12th, 2010, 11:53 AM

lwa

August 12th, 2010, 09:10 PM

Thanks for the info on CFL fields, but I still think that 2023 will go to a 'safe option'. 2019 in Japan is about growing the game, so for 2023 I expect the IRB will want the WC back in traditional rugby playing country. Excluding England and NZ, that would leave Australia (2003 hosts), France (2007) , a Ireland/Scotland/Wales bid (have been part hosts before) and South Africa (1995). The only other option I can think of would be Argentina.

Would quite like to see a joint bid between Ireland an Scotland if that is the case (a real joint bid - 2 pools in Ireland, 2 pools in Scotland ect.). Neither country has ever done more than a bit-part, hosting a couple of games of someone elses tournament. I also feel culturally Scotland and Ireland are far closer than either are with Wales - so in my opinion would be the obvious ones to link up (and they have in the past, bidding for Euro 2008)

Could easilly host the tournament between them (not sure about Ireland, but Scotland doesn't quite have the infrastructre to go it alone), using something like.

Scotland (some of):
Murrayfield (67,800)
Parkhead (60,832)
Hampden (52,103)
Ibrox (51,082)
Aberdeen Arena (planning application lodged today - 21,000)
Easter Road (20,250)
Rugby Park (~18,000)
Tannadice/Dens Park/McDiarmid Park (15,000/11,000/12,000) Realistically, with so and proximity, only one would be used

Ireland (only using venues that have held rugby in the past):
Croke park (83,000)
Aviva Stadium (51,700)
Thomond Park (27,000)
Musgrave Park (8,000 today, but plans to extend to 20,000)
Royal Dublin Society (20,000)
Ravenhill (officially 10,000, but has held 20,000 in the past and probably could again)

If Croke Park is available, then that is the obvious choice for the final - if not then Murrayfield would still be big enough.

If you add in a couple of the GAA venues (pairc na nGael in Limerick, Casement Park...) or a new NI stadium, then you easilly have enough grounds to host it and most are already there (only Aberdeen in Scotland - planning application pending, but there is always Pittodrie there anyway - is not built yet, while of the Irish ones Ravenhill is under development - well, stage one is finished, stage 2 on hold - and Musgrave Park will probably follow suite in the next few years)

Host a pool in Glasgow/Kilmarnock, a pool in Edinburgh/Dundee/Aberdeen, a pool in Belfast/Dublin and a pool in Dublin/Cork/Limerick, Quarters in Glasgow, Edinburgh, Dublin and Limerick (if Pairc na Gael is used), semi's in Edinburgh and Dublin, 3/4 PO in Glasgow and Final in Dublin. Could be a cracking tournament...

I would also add (assuming we are going for a safe option) Italy's name into the ring - close enough to the European heavyweights that you are garunteed large travelling support, is already a really popular destination in the 6 Nations calendar among supporters and has plenty of (albeit in need of attention) grounds in place.

Martin Ferraro

August 13th, 2010, 03:30 PM

Argentina!!!
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=18323447696

Buenos Aires
River: 55000
http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tYVpUNFJWQk/TFa4Fmm6mOI/AAAAAAAAASQ/vFMqOvyz1Zw/s1600/river-plate-stadium-.jpg

Independiente (en construcción): 45000
http://img406.imageshack.us/img406/7051/1a4exterior20aereo369ec6.jpg

Velez: 36000
http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tYVpUNFJWQk/TFTE9xUagaI/AAAAAAAAARo/C63yF9xwzSU/s1600/Velez.jpg

La Plata
Único (en construcción): 45000
http://img501.imageshack.us/img501/5935/provi133fz3.jpg

Córdoba
Chateau (en construcción): 55000
http://img133.imageshack.us/img133/2874/dibujo15c.jpg

Santa Fe
Colón (en construcción): 40000
http://i847.photobucket.com/albums/ab31/LeitoStaFe/Coloncito/DSC05934.jpg

Rosario
Central (proyecto): 55000
http://img399.imageshack.us/img399/7230/aerea01tp6.jpg

Mendoza
Mundialista: 35000
http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tYVpUNFJWQk/TEnu3N06fQI/AAAAAAAAAPo/tVDgNhq17mU/s400/Estadio+Mendoza.jpg

Mar del Plata
Mundialista: 35000
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tYVpUNFJWQk/TB2UHuZdByI/AAAAAAAAACI/n0il9KUEtZE/s320/Mar+del+Plata.jpg

San Juan
Bicentenario (en construcción): 25000
http://img136.imageshack.us/img136/3558/dibujoty.jpg

Kazurro

August 13th, 2010, 08:07 PM

In what way is the game elitist?

If the likes of Romania, Spain, Russia and Georgia can all have rugby teams with aspirations to qualify for the World Cup, I see no good reason why Germany can't too.

Spain qualified for 1999 RWC. But nowadays we're very far in terms of quality of these NT's. In the RWC qualifying we got 2 wins and 8 losts, and the 2 wins were versus Germany.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2011_Rugby_World_Cup_%E2%80%93_Europe_qualification

And our level keeps declining as we dont have a profesional league. Only a National Championship where most players earn less than 200 euros a moth.

And organising a RWC? We're very far from it.

Atlante

September 1st, 2010, 08:59 PM

Argentina

rus

September 2nd, 2010, 02:23 PM

Russia

Kwazimoto

September 2nd, 2010, 02:43 PM

south africa.

Pepe potamo

December 21st, 2010, 06:22 PM

I think Argentina deserves it. They have very good stadiums and passion for rugby. Europe has have too many sports festival, in north america most people think rugby is a non-helmet football...
Argentina is the best option.

Pepe potamo

December 21st, 2010, 06:34 PM

NOT
AGAIN
EUROPE.

Europe is not the center of the planet!

Bobby3

December 21st, 2010, 07:01 PM

Argentina, it's a good rugby country and the Americas haven't hosted before.

Oceania, Europe, Africa, Europe (2), Oceania (2), Europe (3), Oceania (3), Europe (4), Asia.

I think if Argentina puts forth a decent bid, they should get a shot at it.

engenx4

December 21st, 2010, 07:16 PM

Brazil :banana:

messitadeluz

December 21st, 2010, 07:28 PM

Brazil :banana:

brazil doesnt know what is rugby.

argentina-uruguay should be great

danVan

December 21st, 2010, 09:26 PM

QATAR:D

Bolsilludo

December 22nd, 2010, 12:12 AM

ARGENTINA!!!

http://jockeyclubdesalta.com/images/UAR.gif

Walbanger

December 22nd, 2010, 10:45 AM

I'd like to see Argentina host in 2023.

Andy-i

December 22nd, 2010, 02:28 PM

In 6 Rugby World Cups there have been:

4 different winners (with no champion team ever retaining the Cup)
5 different finalists
8 different semi-finalists
12 different quarter-finalists

Hardly the repetitive closed shop people make it out to be.

There is one element thats quite repetative:

Since South Africa entered in 1995 the BIG-5 (NZ,SA,AUS,ENG+FRA) all make the QF's everytime
Only one other team outside the BIG-5, Argentina has made the SF's.

It's certainly more of a closed shop than the Football World Cup but thats not really suprising.

Konig

December 22nd, 2010, 03:44 PM

I think that if Russia wins the tender for the Rugby World Cup, the list of host cities must be cityes in the Urals and Siberia.

Archbishop

December 22nd, 2010, 06:53 PM

I would assume 2023 would go to South Africa after going to a new market in 2019. Then a new market in 2027, and repeat that trend.

sweet-d

December 23rd, 2010, 02:08 PM

I'd say USA it would be a big risk. The cities would be New York (Opening and Final), Boston, Washington D.C., Chicago, Indianapolis, Dallas,Houston, L.A., San Francisco, Seattle. An easier way would be to have it mostly on the east coasts and mid west. But to make it a safer bid we could do a joint U.S. and Canada bid with the host cities being in Canada Montreal, Toronto, Ottawa, and Vancouver. Now on the U.S. side New York Boston, Washington D.C. and Seattle. I know it's kinda wierd with Vancouver and Seattle way away from every where else. I also know that this problably never gonna happen.

crazydude

December 23rd, 2010, 05:28 PM

gezza

December 23rd, 2010, 06:07 PM

An interesting one. You would think SA would be the best choice. By the 2027 there may be a new market up and going however I dare say Europe will be calling.

Archbishop

December 23rd, 2010, 06:13 PM

krudmonk

December 23rd, 2010, 06:34 PM

Why the hell would in-goal areas need to be 20m deep?

crazydude

December 23rd, 2010, 09:13 PM

Why the hell would in-goal areas need to be 20m deep?

They don't need to be that big: in-goal areas at each end of the field-of-play which should extend not more than 22 metres but, "where practicable", at least 10 metres beyond the field-of-play

Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_union_gameplay#Playing_field)

As has been said before, some stadiums like Murryfield have 'full sized' in goal areas. I think that most stadiums use about 10m now. Some football (soccer) stadiums can only fit smaller in goal areas of about 8 m. For internationals the IRB are normally stricter about the field.

kerouac1848

December 23rd, 2010, 10:48 PM

Italy. Ticks the box of a new market like Argentina, yet can also match the traditional powers like South Africa in the commercial stakes (Large stadia charging hefty ticket prices with significant numbers of English, French, Irish, Aus, etc making the trip). Serie A could do with some upgrading of its grounds as well.

francos1989

December 24th, 2010, 03:15 AM

Argentina

crazydude

December 24th, 2010, 04:13 PM

Maipo Valley

December 25th, 2010, 10:40 PM

argentina. by far. they are the most passionate about teams sports, including rugby (and is very popular there). they also play good, they can host and win like in the 78 football world cup. plus, with argentina hosting the rwc chile finally can go to the world cup (if the IRB gives another place to southamerica)

sweet-d

December 26th, 2010, 02:02 PM

There would be no way that they wouldn't have games in Salt Lake City. Utah is the home of American rugby.

Yeah I guess you've got me on that one the only place they could play would be at the University of Utah or maybe BYU which I think is near Salt Lake City. But this all depends on if other events would be allowed to be held at the stadia in 2023. Hopefully they don't act like the Football World Cup.

crazydude

December 26th, 2010, 08:58 PM

Yeah I guess you've got me on that one the only place they could play would be at the University of Utah or maybe BYU which I think is near Salt Lake City. But this all depends on if other events would be allowed to be held at the stadia in 2023. Hopefully they don't act like the Football World Cup.

I asked this question in another thread, and the answer was no. During the 2007 RWC, stadiums hosted RWC matches French League 1 (football) and UEFA Champions League matches.

MatuARG

December 26th, 2010, 09:21 PM

ARGENTINA!!!!
The RWC has never been host in America and Argentina has/(Can build) stadiums for such an important event...and Argentian is clearly the most important Union in america

just a stadium that argentina is improving for the 2011 Copa America for (+-50 000) in La Plata
http://www.eldia.com.ar/ediciones/20101221/estadio/1.jpg

and a beautiful stadium in Mendoza (45 000) that needs minor repairs and a roof

http://copaamerica2011.files.wordpress.com/2010/03/malvinas-argentinas.jpg

cornelinho

December 26th, 2010, 11:22 PM

Romania:smug:

CharlieP

December 28th, 2010, 01:28 PM

I would love to see Argentina host the Rugby World Cup, if they can come up with the required quantity and quality of stadia. Failing that, Italy ought to get a go next.

chibimatty

February 25th, 2011, 02:01 PM

It would be Argentina for me! But I would like to see some more development in the region in the years leading up to it. The Pumas will be in the SANZAR comp for a while by then, and hopefully there will be some sort of "South American Gauchos" team in the Super Rugby by that stage also. There has been a little bit of talk about this for the home-based Argentine players and also to see the inclusion of Uruguayans and Chileans. The Chileans had a pretty good team a few years back and it would be a shame if they started to drop off. It would be good if the game could be built up enough by then to be able to host RWC games in Uruguay and Chile as part of the Argentine event.

I think it's beholden to the established nations to try and share the World Cup with smaller nations when they can and I love the idea of Singapore and Hong Kong being included in Japan's bid. I think it would have been nice to see Fiji, Tonga and Samoa get a couple of home games at this year's tournament, but I think NZ may have enough trouble hosting it themselves, as we have seen with their indecisiveness in working out the stadium for the Cup Final, or when they fluffed the sub-hosting rights for 2003. The Christchurch earthquake is not going to help matters either.

I hope that if France host the tournament again (which was one of the best) that this time they play games in other Francophone areas across the border in Switzerland and Belgium. And the games in the Basque and Catalan rugby strongholds could be played across the border in Spain; in Barcelona, San Sebastien, Bilbao, Valencia. I think it would be wonderful to treat Andorra to a small fixture and maybe play the 3rd place game in Monaco. There's no reason why Northern Italy couldn't be included either. As long as they don't play games in the British Isles.

The British Isles themselves could host a Celtic bid, an England bid, a Great Britain bid, a British Isles bid, or (my personal favourite) even a Scottish bid. I for one believe that if Sweden can host Euro '92, or Portugal can host Euro 2004 and New Zealand can host RWC 2011, then Scotland should be able to handle a Rugby World Cup on it's own. It already has the advantage of having the stadia suitable for the big knockout stages (Ibrox, Parkhead, Hamden, Murrayfield.) Can you imagine a month of hogmanay rugby-fun throughout Scotland in the summertime? It'd be like a nation-wide Edinburgh Fringe Festival!

crazyalex

February 25th, 2011, 02:20 PM

Argentina ofcouse

Who the hell vote Germany & Spain, both country didnt give shit about rugby

Marsupalami

February 25th, 2011, 06:27 PM

South Africa !! - we've only hosted it the once for petes sakes, and we are one of the Kingpins!! - we are a changed country both in improvement of our fragile new democracy back in 95, and in terms of classy, classy infrastructure!! Theres nothing we cant handel, and the stands will be full! - 40000, 50000, 95000 stadiums abound - lest bring it back to Africa!!

TurkishBelgian

February 25th, 2011, 06:36 PM

I hope Turkey! Because in 2023, Turkish Republic will be 100 years old :)

CharlieP

February 25th, 2011, 06:40 PM

South Africa !! - we've only hosted it the once for petes sakes, and we are one of the Epicentres !!

:ohno: :ohno: :ohno:

Marsupalami

February 25th, 2011, 07:34 PM

Sorry dude - purely innocent and ill fitting choice of words - no disrespect!

GoluBoy

February 26th, 2011, 08:44 AM

2023 RWC has to be Argentina.

chibimatty

February 26th, 2011, 09:48 PM

I hope Turkey! Because in 2023, Turkish Republic will be 100 years old :)

Ha ha! That's a cute sentiment! Happy 100th birthday for 2023! And best of luck with the bid! :)

But, do you guys even know what a rugby ball looks like?! ;)

essendon bombers

March 17th, 2011, 09:41 AM

Argentina with group games in Uruguay and Chile, then maybe Italy or South Africa in 2027.

DennisRodman817

March 18th, 2011, 12:49 AM

Its a no brainer...south africa should host it....they have all the facilities ready....and they are a superpower in the game and also the current world champs

Matthew Lowry

March 18th, 2011, 05:57 PM

Argentina should host Bring the Cup to South America for the 1st time.

ArnageWRC

March 18th, 2011, 10:42 PM

Rugby, like cricket, needs new markets, so holding it in one of the established countries is dumb. Argentina seems the most sensible.

carnifex2005

March 18th, 2011, 11:08 PM

As much as I think that Canada could easily successfully host a RWC, Argentina should be the first country in the Americas to host one.

GanEden

March 20th, 2011, 06:28 PM

WHERE'S THE WHO CARES OPTION? Why are we so concerned about a two bit bore-a-thon of a sport that will always live in the HUGE shadow of soccer????

GanEden

March 20th, 2011, 06:28 PM

Argentina, or Italy.

But I think that rugby union will be dead after OG 2016.

Rugby7s is coming!
You could be right, unless they merge with Rugby League?

RobH

March 20th, 2011, 08:42 PM

Marsupalami

March 20th, 2011, 09:14 PM

Did the ever-so-complicated thread title confuse confuse you?

If you don't care don't come into the thread. Simples. :ohno:

I agree - Rugby Union IS huge - its a collosal sport - where real men make impressive amounts of calculated risks and tactical brilliance mixed with brute force - no time for ninnies in this format.

South Africa would host a damn good RWC in my opinion. We have the fans like few other places, and we have the stadia too. :)

chibimatty

March 28th, 2011, 04:24 PM

WHERE'S THE WHO CARES OPTION? Why are we so concerned about a two bit bore-a-thon of a sport that will always live in the HUGE shadow of soccer????

Did the ever-so-complicated thread title confuse confuse you?

If you don't care don't come into the thread. Simples. :ohno:

Now now, Rob, the poor guy's a soccer fan, he probably DID have trouble reading the thread title. They're not known for their education. :lol:

bicho84

March 28th, 2011, 04:56 PM

how about a Georgia or Romania? Rugby growing rapidli in both countries.

lwa

March 28th, 2011, 05:48 PM

how about a Georgia or Romania? Rugby growing rapidli in both countries.

As much as I would like to see the RWC going to an emerging nation, there are 2 big stumbling blocks with that idea.

Firstly, neither country really has the infrastructure required to host a RWC. (time for that to change though, I suppose)

and Secondly, it would be a big risk. I have no doubt about Gerogia's passion for their national side (60,000 at a ENC match confirms that), but is there the interest to bring in the numbers France did in 2007, or England will in 2015? Bear in mind the IRB are already taking a similar risk 4 years earlier with Japan - I can't see another country outside the top 10 hosting it until 2027 at the earliest (aside from maybe a couple of games)

The above is especially true when there are relativly safe options while still taking the tournament outside the traditional powerhouses (Italy for example - growing support among Italians, and easy to get to for the other 6 Nations countries)

(And I would argue Russia is a better bet for an eastern europe RWC anyway)

CharlieP

March 28th, 2011, 06:56 PM

Now now, Rob, the poor guy's a soccer fan, he probably DID have trouble reading the thread title. They're not known for their education. :lol:

He's actually a rugby league troll.

TEBC

September 10th, 2011, 11:43 PM

SA for 2023 and Argentina for 2027

Danis

September 29th, 2011, 01:34 AM

I very much doubt that anything is decided on the basis of hemisphere.

More than likely that, after Japan, the RWC will return to Europe. That's where rugby has its largest supporter base. So, if the IRB are keen to take the tournament to a new host, Italy would be the obvious choice.

Otherwise, Argentina would be a good call. Best rugby playing nation never to have hosted the World Cup.

Largest supporter base? You are hugely underestimating the SANZAR nations, Europe will never rival the likes of New Zealand and South Africa when it comes to support. The utterly boring game of football has and will probably always be the top priority of the European nations.Where in South Africa for instance some Currie Cup games (Domestic competition) attract more than 48000 supporters not even mentioning tri-nations encounters .

JYDA

September 29th, 2011, 03:15 AM

Largest supporter base? You are hugely underestimating the SANZAR nations, Europe will never rival the likes of New Zealand and South Africa when it comes to support. The utterly boring game of football has and will probably always be the top priority of the European nations.Where in South Africa for instance some Currie Cup games (Domestic competition) attract more than 48000 supporters not even mentioning tri-nations encounters .

I'm pretty sure "largest supporter base" was in reference to the high concentration of world cup participants in the region. A lot of fanbases can make a day trip to see a match at a european world cup as opposed to having to plan a vacation around visiting a southern hemisphere world cup.

krudmonk

September 29th, 2011, 03:48 AM

A bit radical, but how about Romania and Georgia hold group and knockout matches up to the final at the new Olympic stadium in Sochi (Russia)? That hits three emerging nations in one tournament.

Walbanger

September 29th, 2011, 06:42 AM

Rugby Union certainly has to start playing more "exhibition" internationals in potential or under utilised markets like Australia and New Zealand's recent matches in Hong Kong and Tokyo. Something like England vs Ireland in Boston or England vs France in Montreal or New Orleans.

Marsupalami

September 29th, 2011, 08:57 AM

thats a great idea Wallbanger!!
PS - South Africa should host the damn thing in 2023 - We really REALLY have the stadiums to generate more cash then anywhere else on earth, and the passionate fans to put bums in seat!!

Walbanger

September 29th, 2011, 11:50 AM

I'm happy for Australia to for go any notion of host rotation in favour of an new frontier.

flierfy

September 30th, 2011, 10:59 AM

Largest supporter base? You are hugely underestimating the SANZAR nations, Europe will never rival the likes of New Zealand and South Africa when it comes to support. The utterly boring game of football has and will probably always be the top priority of the European nations.Where in South Africa for instance some Currie Cup games (Domestic competition) attract more than 48000 supporters not even mentioning tri-nations encounters .
Just that Rugby isn't even the most popular game in South Africa. And the other two tri-nations are virtually unpopulated. Hence the poor attendance figures at this years World Cup.

If you want to draw large crowds you have to go where there is both, lots of people and enthusiasm for the game. In terms of Rugby there is no better place than western Europe.

KiwiRob

September 30th, 2011, 03:43 PM

Poor attendance figurers, they sold out most games, even the ones with minnows playing minnows!!!

http://www.rugbyworldcup.com/destinationnewzealand/news/newsid=2054827.html

The 2010 Football World Cup in SA was plagued by poor attendances, many stadiums had 10,000 or more unsold seats. Considering the size of the venues played in 49,000 per game is pretty poor. Whereas in NZ for the current Wolrd Cup 768,000 people have been to 28 matches with 20 matches to go, an average of 27,000 is pretty good, nearly 1.4 million bums on seats for the tournament is pretty good, that's nearly 1/3 of NZ's population, SA didn't even come close to 10% in 2010.

Mo Rush

September 30th, 2011, 05:10 PM

Konig

September 30th, 2011, 06:53 PM

lwa

September 30th, 2011, 08:37 PM

Guys what you say about Russia?
We are a big country, a new rugby market. I get the feeling that in the last month of interest to rugby in Russia increased by several times. Earlier in the sports media rarely mention rugby, and now probably in 3rd place after the football and hockey.
I think we can use some of the stadiums after FIFA WC 2018 + to build a few new ones. But at least after 2018 in the European part of Russia will be 19 new stadiums with a capacity of 30,000 to 90,000.
By the way, what are the requirements for the IRB to the cities and stadiums? How many cities (minimum-maximum), what is the minimum capacity of arenas?

Don't think the IRB have stringent requirements - Japan haven't even said how many countries they are using yet!

Russia (provided the FIFA WC stadiums can accomodate rugby pitches, which I would guess they probably can) could easilly host it. Only minus is it would be seen as another big risk after Japan. Would expect 2027 at the earliest for another Tier 2/3 host. Could be Russia, provided 2023 isn't in Europe though.

As for SANZAR having a bigger support base than Europe - obviously never been to southern France...

Pepe potamo

October 2nd, 2011, 10:05 PM

When will this decision be made? Of course I'm with Argentina.

MS20

October 3rd, 2011, 11:23 AM

Guys what you say about Russia?
We are a big country, a new rugby market. I get the feeling that in the last month of interest to rugby in Russia increased by several times. Earlier in the sports media rarely mention rugby, and now probably in 3rd place after the football and hockey.
I think we can use some of the stadiums after FIFA WC 2018 + to build a few new ones. But at least after 2018 in the European part of Russia will be 19 new stadiums with a capacity of 30,000 to 90,000.
By the way, what are the requirements for the IRB to the cities and stadiums? How many cities (minimum-maximum), what is the minimum capacity of arenas?

For now, I can only assume that minimum capacity is low, because NZ has a couple that are just over 15,000 that were used. But in England there won't be any under 20,000.

Also, might want to give it a bit of time after a WC to judge the popularity of rugby in Russia. Pretty natural for there to be increased interest during the WC.

Russia is certainly a major candidate for being a future host of the RWC, but not anytime soon. Still has a lot to show before it can be a viable option.

Andy-i

October 3rd, 2011, 03:26 PM

For now, I can only assume that minimum capacity is low, because NZ has a couple that are just over 15,000 that were used. But in England there won't be any under 20,000.

Also, might want to give it a bit of time after a WC to judge the popularity of rugby in Russia. Pretty natural for there to be increased interest during the WC.

Russia is certainly a major candidate for being a future host of the RWC, but not anytime soon. Still has a lot to show before it can be a viable option.

Kingsholm, home of Gloucester Rugby, is one of the RWC2015 stadiums. It has a capacity of 16500.

MS20

October 4th, 2011, 06:09 AM

Kingsholm, home of Gloucester Rugby, is one of the RWC2015 stadiums. It has a capacity of 16500.

Yes, but it's being expanded to 19,700. Which technically I suppose is under 20,000, but I wasn't far off.

luciaparkison

October 4th, 2011, 06:29 AM

the bid must go to South Africa.because they show there potential to host the big sporting events like cricket,football world cups . so thats why my vote gone to south africa

MS20

October 4th, 2011, 06:39 AM

the bid must go to South Africa.because they show there potential to host the big sporting events like cricket,football world cups . so thats why my vote gone to south africa

It will have been 6 World Cup's since South Africa last hosted. No one doubt's SA's potential, and after a Japan South Africa seems like the most logical established rugby nation for hosting, with pretty much every other big nation already having hosted in that time. Italy/Argentina may be expected to bid, who knows. They'll have competition that's for sure.

In fact their hosting of the 95' WC if anything showed that they could host a FIFA WC, not the other way round.

JuanCA.-

October 5th, 2011, 12:52 AM

Argentina! :D

corredor06

October 5th, 2011, 02:02 AM

Argentina

Marsupalami

October 5th, 2011, 04:07 AM

crazydude

October 5th, 2011, 08:27 AM

South Africa - and as for the post earlier from some douche who said that the Football WC was poorly attended - blame Fifa ticketing, high prices and lack of international visitors due to Global financial Crisis. those that did experience one of the best tournaments and host atmosheres in the planet. We will rock the RWC, and we will have massive, massive local interest. Our local Currie Cup regularly exceeds 45ooo bums on seats, and had done for 50 years or more. With our killer new stadiums, we can reach new rugby markets withing our own country, such as the north, and nothwest. - Black South African love rugby too, and will be a big part of the atmosphere more than 95, and for that reason will almost be better than that one!

SA can host a great Rugby Wolrd Cup. I wouldn't be bragging about the Currie Cup attendance though, it's not getting 45 000 people very often, and the averages are not as good as they should be in a country which likes rugby this much.

In terms of stadiums, hospitality, and TIMEZONE, SA would be a great choice though.

Andy-i

October 5th, 2011, 06:34 PM

Yes, but it's being expanded to 19,700. Which technically I suppose is under 20,000, but I wasn't far off.

Some expansion plans have been mooted for quite a while but nothing concrete has happened so far.

I doubt that Gloucester will finance the expansion as their average crowd is around 80% of their current 16500 capacity and they only sell out 1 or 2 games a season.

Perhaps the IRB might offer to pay for the expansion but I wouldn't hold my breath!

machii

October 7th, 2011, 04:07 AM

ARGENTINA

Monumental, Buenos Aires 65000
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/c4/002.Buenos_Aires_desde_el_cielo_%28Estadio_de_River%29.JPG/280px-002.Buenos_Aires_desde_el_cielo_%28Estadio_de_River%29.JPG

Ciudad De La Plata, La Plata 36000
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/6c/Estadio-%C3%BAnico-primer-partido-2011.JPG/275px-Estadio-%C3%BAnico-primer-partido-2011.JPG

Minella, Mar Del Plata 35000
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/42/Minella-1978.jpg/200px-Minella-1978.jpg

Coloso Marcelo Bielsa, Rosario 38000
http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_m2naqAQtMPE/SzRC5tQNEdI/AAAAAAAAAUI/ZdtAzGHk_DQ/s400/6f0c4f3c-e3b6-48ba-b819-f9db3c588608.jpg

Gigante De Arroyito, Rosario 41000
http://www.canalla.com/media//Estadio/12.jpg

Brigadier Lopez, Santa Fe 38000
http://www.conmebol.com/export/sites/conmebol/img/2011/07/03/ARG-fachada-estadio-colon_600x342.gif_53082678.gif

Malvinas Argentinas, Mendoza 45000
http://www.futbolargentino.com/SDI/objetos/2011/06/29/81a979a439d848acb9cc8de88261a1bf.jpg

Mario A Kempes, Cordoba 57000
http://www.futbolfixture2011.com.ar/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/Estadio-Mario-Alberto-Kempes.jpg

Monumetal Jose Fierro, Tucuman 32000
http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQtMqnBQ36n-rUiO9lxP1kqmbDET6L0RHVh8VJMQAcNI5yqpVmAZvwtkzmsaQ

Estadio Bicentenario, San Juan 25000
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/bd/Estadio_San_Jua_del_Bicentenario%2C_Pocito.JPG/350px-Estadio_San_Jua_del_Bicentenario%2C_Pocito.JPG

Estadio Centenario, Chaco 25000
http://www.casarmiento.com.ar/2011/images/instalacion_estadio.jpg

Estadio Padre Ernesto Martearena, Salta 20000
http://mexico.cnn.com/media/2011/06/28/estadio-padre-ernesto-martearena.jpg

bdowhan

October 7th, 2011, 07:28 PM

Andy-i

October 8th, 2011, 02:21 PM

It would be interesting to have Canada and the US cooperate on a joint bid. There is no difficulty with facilities, due to the gridiron football fields and the MLS soccer fields. Geography could be difficult with jet lag. Problem solved, have pool a and pool b play in the west (Vegas, LA, Colorado, Vancouver, Calgary, etc.) and have pool c and pool d play in the east (Toronto, Boston, New York, Montreal, etc.). The playoffs could be in central cities (Chicago, KC, Dallas, Detroit, etc.) It would invigorate the sport in these two countries. The large amount of immigrants from around the world would definitely support it.

The Logistics might be difficult as the RWC normally takes place in Sep/Oct/Nov when the NFL and MLS seasons would be taking place.

This is a similar situation to the RWC 2015 and its use of Football grounds.
However RWC 2015 is also using 4 rugby grounds and Wembley and only 1 knock-out game in 2015 will be at a club ground (The 3rd place playoff at the Emirates) making it easier to fit games in around the footy fixtures.

Pepe potamo

October 8th, 2011, 08:59 PM

It would be interesting to have Canada and the US cooperate on a joint bid. There is no difficulty with facilities, due to the gridiron football fields and the MLS soccer fields. Geography could be difficult with jet lag. Problem solved, have pool a and pool b play in the west (Vegas, LA, Colorado, Vancouver, Calgary, etc.) and have pool c and pool d play in the east (Toronto, Boston, New York, Montreal, etc.). The playoffs could be in central cities (Chicago, KC, Dallas, Detroit, etc.) It would invigorate the sport in these two countries. The large amount of immigrants from around the world would definitely support it.

Yankees (no, I won't say "americans") don't even know what rugby is. They don't deserve to host. The first country in the Americas to host a RWC shoud be Argentina.

Harry1990

October 9th, 2011, 04:40 PM

Hey my old post is actually getting some post now due to wc. I think maybe italy than argentina, hopefully both of them host a major football tournament before to get top of the range stadia. Maybe euro 2020? And a copa america

Walbanger

October 9th, 2011, 04:58 PM

A 2023 RWC in Argentina would be the perfect presentation to FIFA what Argentina can provide for their 2030 bid.

lwa

October 11th, 2011, 05:12 PM

Yankees (no, I won't say "americans") don't even know what rugby is. They don't deserve to host. The first country in the Americas to host a RWC shoud be Argentina.

This.

Have the facilities (although admittedly some of them could use a lick of paint.. Or a bit more than that!), Have the passionate fans, Have a home side that should do reasonably well (not a pre-requisite, but certainly helps get the nation excited about it), and did a fantastic job of hosting last years Junior World Championships.

Also wouldn't mind seeing 3 pools hosted in Argentina, with the 4th hosted in Uruquay (provided they qualify)

Mind you, My support for an Argentine RWC is entirely conditional on Scotland getting to play at least 1 game here! :D

http://www.futbolargentino.com/SDI/objetos/2011/06/29/81a979a439d848acb9cc8de88261a1bf.jpg

USA/Canada - Nothing against either of them, but not convinced the RWC would really get noticed. Particulalrly in the USA. Might be wrong, but regardless, there are others who deserve a shot first.

South Africa - Would do a fantastic job, have the facilities, have the support base ect. Certainly a safe bet, but they held '95. Yes that will be a 28 year gap, but there are still viable hosts who have never hosted it. Let someone else have a chance, eh? You can be the next 'safe host' after someone does a NZ ;)

Russia - Lets see how they get on hosting the RWC 7's in 2 years before, and what that does for the sport there.

repin

October 11th, 2011, 07:00 PM

http://notremondeanous.free.fr/Cartes%20parcours/ModifArgentine.jpeg

Harry1990

October 11th, 2011, 09:51 PM

Russia would be a great shout after 2018 with all the new stadiums in place the weather could prove a problem though

WFInsider

October 14th, 2011, 05:15 PM

Russia to apply for 2023 Rugby World Cup

http://rt.com/files/sport/russia-rugby-world-cup-2023-bid-845/cup-pool-oconnor-world.n.jpg

Russia, who have just made their debut at the biggest rugby event on the planet, are to bid to host the 2023 World Cup.

The president of the Russian Rugby Union, Vyacheslav Kopiev, voiced the decision at the organization’s executive committee meeting on Thursday.

The Rugby Worlds are held every four years, with England staging the event in 2015 and Japan in 2019.

Team Russia lost all their four games at their maiden World Cup, which is now underway in New Zealand, but managed to make a good impression, collecting eight tries – more than any other debutant.
Meanwhile, Russia are preparing to host the 2013 World Cup in Rugby Sevens, which is now an Olympic discipline.

According to Kopiev, the Russian team’s task is to win the home event as they are one the leaders in the sport.

Russia is going to host a number of massive sporting events in the next couple of years, including the 2014 Sochi Winter Games and the FIFA World Cup in 2018.
http://rt.com/sport/russia-rugby-world-cup-2023-bid-845/

Walbanger

October 15th, 2011, 07:30 AM

Cool, best of luck. Still I'd prefer it to go to Argentina.

Melb_aviator

October 16th, 2011, 06:22 AM

Argentina would be my choice.

Russia is definately an interesting option though, which will help grow the game.

Darloeye

October 16th, 2011, 01:29 PM

the North American bid could work. Having games in amerca,canada and mexico its just fitting them in with the NFL/College and Soccer season. But can't see the locals taking to it. maybe Argentina would work better tho south africa could host it too, just have to wait and see

Knitemplar

October 16th, 2011, 07:37 PM

Korea or Haiti!!

thomasKing

October 18th, 2011, 04:43 AM

Guys what you say about Russia?
We are a big country, a new rugby market. I get the feeling that in the last month of interest to rugby in Russia increased by several times. Earlier in the sports media rarely mention rugby, and now probably in 3rd place after the football and hockey.
I think we can use some of the stadiums after FIFA WC 2018 + to build a few new ones. But at least after 2018 in the European part of Russia will be 19 new stadiums with a capacity of 30,000 to 90,000.
By the way, what are the requirements for the IRB to the cities and stadiums? How many cities (minimum-maximum), what is the minimum capacity of arenas?

I think Russia would be a great choice, and after 2018 Russia will have no problems with any stadium citeria.

The only thing, Russia should really consider is putting a roof on its major moscow stadium. With Russia, Romania and Georgia there may be a base to develop what may become an eastern european equivalent of the six nations. But as it would have to be played in february-march, stadiums probably need to be covered.

Konig

October 18th, 2011, 10:15 AM

I think Russia would be a great choice, and after 2018 Russia will have no problems with any stadium citeria.

The only thing, Russia should really consider is putting a roof on its major moscow stadium. With Russia, Romania and Georgia there may be a base to develop what may become an eastern european equivalent of the six nations. But as it would have to be played in february-march, stadiums probably need to be covered.

In Moscow Luzhniki(90K) is not completely closing the roof, but roof and retractable field will be the second-capacity stadium in St. Petersburg (70K). But I think it should be final in Moscow.
With regard to the European Nations, soon in the south of Russia (subtropical climate) in Krasnodar Krai (Cossack region) will be 3 great new stadium:
Sochi - 47000 (finish 2013)
http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=430690
Kuban Arena(Krasnodar) - 50015 (2017)
http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=1271013
Krasnodar Arena - 36000 (2014)
http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=1412180

Andy-i

October 18th, 2011, 03:45 PM

PaulFCB

October 18th, 2011, 03:51 PM

Konig

October 18th, 2011, 08:42 PM

2007 - Europe ( France + Wales + Scotland )
2011 - Non Europe ( New Zealand )
2015 - Europe ( England + Cardiff )
2019 - Non Europe ( Japan + HK + Singapore )
2023 - I would go for Italy as an European country since they have a good enough team, Russia hardly matters.
2027 - Argentina which is clearly a top country in this sport.

I would not say about Russian rugby. If you do not know, unlike football and Canadian hockey, rugby was not supported by the commi government.
Prior to WW2 took place only three of the USSR championship in 1936, 37, 38. Then, rugby was considered a bourgeois capitalist sport. The next championship was held only in 1966, and the first match of the Soviet national team in 1974. And in 80th years Russian team regular won Italy, Romania and France, four times in a row took 2nd place in the FIRA Trophy. USSR team was supposed to participate in the first World Cup in 1987, but communist policies forbade her to it, of = for apartheid in South Africa. And then to have the 90s and a large-scale economic crisis, it was not until the development of rugby. Only in the last 5-6 years has started a positive trend, was formed Professional League.
I am sure that after 12 years we will fight for access to the 1 \ 4 of the World Cup. If we from 1974 to 1987 were included in the top 10 world teams, played on an equal footing with France (finalist KM87), Italy (3rd place in the group), Romania (3rd group), then we hope only the best.
By the way, let me remind you that Russia was the best debut in the history of World Cup (1 bonus point and 8 try). And gained experience during the tournament, each next match played better than the last. A 2 half on an equal footing with Australia!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m09DbKmvAFs

thomasKing

October 19th, 2011, 03:44 AM

It already exists. They are all in Tier1 of the European Nations Cup:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/European_Nations_Cup_(rugby_union)#Current_divisions_.282010-2012.29

Edit: Bit more info on Div 1A
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2010-2012_European_Nations_Cup_First_Division

well, yeah, but the euro-nations is hardly the same thing with whatever teams that have been promoted to the top division playing eachother whenever they can find time.

I would like to see a true eastern version of the 6N by which I mean establishing a regional tournament of some proper strong rugby nations of the future without promotion/relegation and let them establish a rivalry over time and play eachother in the window of february-march when they can use all their best players.
Russia v Georgia have already on occasion attracted som rather good crowds if I remember correctlly. Add Romainia and Ukraine and it could be the beginning of an eastern version of the 6N

thomasKing

October 19th, 2011, 03:48 AM

In Moscow Luzhniki(90K) is not completely closing the roof, but roof and retractable field will be the second-capacity stadium in St. Petersburg (70K). But I think it should be final in Moscow.
With regard to the European Nations, soon in the south of Russia (subtropical climate) in Krasnodar Krai (Cossack region) will be 3 great new stadium:
Sochi - 47000 (finish 2013)
http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=430690
Kuban Arena(Krasnodar) - 50015 (2017)
http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=1271013
Krasnodar Arena - 36000 (2014)
http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=1412180

I agree, that the final of a world cup ,football or rugby, should be in moscow, but St. Petersburg would be a good place for Russia to play home games, should a true eastern equivalent of the 6N tournament ever become reality.

eliza189

October 19th, 2011, 11:15 AM

Russia will host the World Cup in 2023 And why the hell not? The IRB keep on making noises about taking the game to Rugby’s “developing nations”. Here’s a chance to put words into action. However, the IRB are nothing if not a bunch of lying, back stabbing two faced gits. So expect it (RWC 2023)to be at one of the founder members.

Andy-i

October 19th, 2011, 12:49 PM

well, yeah, but the euro-nations is hardly the same thing with whatever teams that have been promoted to the top division playing eachother whenever they can find time.

I would like to see a true eastern version of the 6N by which I mean establishing a regional tournament of some proper strong rugby nations of the future without promotion/relegation and let them establish a rivalry over time and play eachother in the window of february-march when they can use all their best players.
Russia v Georgia have already on occasion attracted som rather good crowds if I remember correctlly. Add Romainia and Ukraine and it could be the beginning of an eastern version of the 6N

It played at the same time as the 6 nations.
Its already got Russia, Georgia and Romania it in along with the Ukraine.
Who are these other Strong East European Rugby countries you want to put in it?
Outside the first 3 mentioned above, there arn't any!

Its doing fine, why change it?
Don't try to run before you can walk!

Andy-i

October 19th, 2011, 01:17 PM

I agree, that the final of a world cup ,football or rugby, should be in moscow, but St. Petersburg would be a good place for Russia to play home games, should a true eastern equivalent of the 6N tournament ever become reality.

Do you mean the Gazprom Arena? It would be way too big. Maybe after Russia ever host a RWC they could think about using stadiums that large. There are some urban myths about massive crowds at rugby games in Russia (the idiot Stephen Jones in the Sunday Times is one for that) but they are actually pretty small

Take a look at the crowds for the Russian games in the ENC and here's a video of the Russia - Georgia game from 2011 which is the big derby that Russia play:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UDMwVyKU-Co

likasz

October 19th, 2011, 01:49 PM

During the game Russia - Georgia of World Cup Q Round in Sochi most of the crowd cheered for Georgia.

During Russia vs Romania the stadium was almost empty.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fj87ohb-p0w

I hope Russia will get it but they should organize it on smaller scale or do something to make it really popular in 2023.

Konig

October 19th, 2011, 08:10 PM

Of course, rugby in Russia, there is little popular now, but bears an address on the World Cup in New Zealand will give an impetus to development. Now only a few top games in the Championship of Russia collected 3-5 thousand. Sochi no rugby city, the team played there in winter, because that there is relatively warm in February and March.
It would be nice if more come to Russia by foreign clubs. As such, this year Grenoble (France) and VVA (Moscow Region) held a historic match on neutral territory in Saransk, this was the first game of rugby in this city, the audience of about 7000.

Especially for the Georgians. I very much hope that very soon, Russian Bears will play their home games in Moscow or St. Petersburg. Then you will see our support and hospitality in relation to our "friends" from Kavkaz.:cheers:

likasz

October 19th, 2011, 09:50 PM

The thing that stops development of rugby is automatic qualification for 12 teams (out of 20 spots!) to the next World Cup!

Too much!

MS20

October 20th, 2011, 04:00 AM

^Japan will be the real test of whether future "minnows" can put on good tournaments. There is a good reason the IRB keep going back to foundation members, and that's because they put on successful tournaments. 2023 will almost certainly be another foundation member (South Africa for many reasons). 2027 is the first real open date for Russia/Italy/Argentina. 16 years is a long time and it might make way more sense closer to that time.

ShakeyNZ

October 20th, 2011, 09:08 AM

Well, first of all, the rotation imo should be northern/southern hemisphere. We're gonna have England and then Japan so 23 has to go to the Southern Hemisphere. This is one of the few events in the world where dominance is in the South .
If Argentina wants to bid, then I'd go with them. They are one of the few powers who have not hosted World Cup matches.
If not them , back to the Republic I think.

Russia, nah. For the sake of giving it to a new different country, first of all, that's an insult to the likes of Argentina and Italy who have a good developed rugby culture already who have not hosted.
Development needs to come from Russia first.

MS20

October 20th, 2011, 11:35 AM

Well, first of all, the rotation imo should be northern/southern hemisphere. We're gonna have England and then Japan so 23 has to go to the Southern Hemisphere. This is one of the few events in the world where dominance is in the South .
If Argentina wants to bid, then I'd go with them. They are one of the few powers who have not hosted World Cup matches.
If not them , back to the Republic I think.

All will depend on how Japan goes. But, in any scenario, Saffer WC will be far more lucrative than Argentina. Bigger attendances, European timezone, developed corporate support for rugby etc. And their stadiums are far superior to Argentina's. They have something like 13 world class facilities over 30,000 ready to go today.

Id be very surprised if 2023 wasn't in South Africa. Its too logical.

ShakeyNZ

October 20th, 2011, 12:38 PM

I would also think South Africa would get alot of support from the NZ Rugby Union after South Africa voted for them for the 2011 tournament (well, after they were out of the race at least).
They could possibly (you would hope) carry the entire SANZAR vote (although Australia showed that it's not always the case when they went for Japan for 2011)

CharlieP

October 21st, 2011, 09:12 AM

The thing that stops development of rugby is automatic qualification for 12 teams (out of 20 spots!) to the next World Cup!

Too much!

So you think Scotland should have to play qualifiers in order to play in 2015?

CharlieP

October 21st, 2011, 09:16 AM

Well, first of all, the rotation imo should be northern/southern hemisphere.

Why, other than for symmetry? :dunno:

Harry1990

October 21st, 2011, 05:59 PM

Harry1990

October 21st, 2011, 06:06 PM

Konig

October 21st, 2011, 08:24 PM

I have a suggestion. But what if you make the next version in Europe (for example 2012-2015 seasons).
2012 \ 2013 - a typical event in the Six nations and the European Nations Cup (Russia, Romania, Georgia, Spain, and Little Russia (Ukraine)) is carried out qualification, which resulted in the 4 top teams get into the 10 Nations.
2014 \ 2015 - 10 Nations (Six Nations teams + 4 top teams from ENC(2 level)), they are divided into 2 groups for 5 teams, 1-4 places go to RWC15, and the team who took 5th places in the group participates in the play-off for on the RWC15.

posavasosderugby

November 2nd, 2011, 05:21 PM

Just I wrote about in my blog: http://posavasosderugby.blogspot.com/2011/11/rugby-world-cup-argentina-2023.html

eomer

November 2nd, 2011, 05:45 PM

After England and Japon, the IRB RWB will logicaly goes back to southern hemisphere: I think South Africa would be the best choice. Argentina could bid too but SA would won: don't forget that Argentina want to host WC 2030 with Uruguay.

I don't think Italy will bid for 2023 and the "Celtic Bid" is always waited and never comes.

Konig

November 4th, 2011, 09:44 PM

Old school Russian rugby 1962. Spartak Moscow vs Khimki in Luzhniki Stadium
http://www.youtube.com/watch?gl=AU&feature=related&hl=en-GB&v=NpY6ElVYifU

TEBC

November 5th, 2011, 12:13 AM

Knitemplar

November 5th, 2011, 12:32 AM

Port-au-Prince, Haiti!!

thomasKing

November 16th, 2011, 12:56 AM

Just some thoughts i think that the 6 nations should have relegation into a second division 6 nations of the likes of russia, romania, georgia etc with someone getting promoted after 4 years. And secondly i think it should be rotated between a devolping and establised nations as to hosting after 2019

relegation/promotion to and from the 6Nations would be by far the most effective to kill-off rugby in places like scotland and Italy and certainly hurt it massively elsewhere.

Scotland would go from 67,000 sell-outs at murrayfield to something closer to 670 for a second divison game against some randomn team with which they have no relationship. and the promoted team would likely just get slaughtered endlessly.

The huge strength of the 6N is the fact that its internationals but with a huge club-feel to it. Its age-old rivalries between teams that know eachother. Contrast to international football with is often very soul-less nature. Most football internationals are dreadfully boring games between imbalanced teams with little knowledge of eachother and no rivalries. The tournament finals works well, the rest is just sad and very forgettable. Half-empty Wembley tonight for an england football game, which was probably as boring as virtualy all such games. But say England v Wales in even a dead rubber 6N games and you could sell 200,000 very expensive tickets.

thomasKing

November 16th, 2011, 01:05 AM

It played at the same time as the 6 nations.
Its already got Russia, Georgia and Romania it in along with the Ukraine.
Who are these other Strong East European Rugby countries you want to put in it?
Outside the first 3 mentioned above, there arn't any!

Its doing fine, why change it?
Don't try to run before you can walk!

rugby seems to rely very heavily on rivalries and the big occassions that come with that. Perhaps not least of because of its physical nature. As I wrote above, i dont want to make international rugby as life-less as international football.

Annual tournaments between teams that can build a rivalry between eachother seem to be the way to go and I think crowds could actually grow quite quickly, more so than the popularity of the game itself.
Scotland is an example of that. Rugby is not that popular there. The fact that their biggest stadium and biggest crowds every year are deliverred by rugby does not paint a true picture of football rugby in scotland. Football is far far more popular. But rugby delivers great events.

Harry1990

November 16th, 2011, 10:41 AM

I do understand your points but scotland should have to merit a place not be in there on histories sake. In my life time (1990) scotland have beaten england 3 times in 21 years and only won 2 5/6 nation titles. I do think they need to do something like maybe the estabilished nations play more friendlies against nations 10-20

Harry1990

November 16th, 2011, 10:43 AM

Just seen england are playing fiji next november, i wish they would play 2 or 3 games a year at other venues around the country like go elland road or anfield or st james park instead of every game at twickers

Andy-i

November 16th, 2011, 12:13 PM

relegation/promotion to and from the 6Nations would be by far the most effective to kill-off rugby in places like scotland and Italy and certainly hurt it massively elsewhere.

Scotland would go from 67,000 sell-outs at murrayfield to something closer to 670 for a second divison game against some randomn team with which they have no relationship. and the promoted team would likely just get slaughtered endlessly.

The huge strength of the 6N is the fact that its internationals but with a huge club-feel to it. Its age-old rivalries between teams that know eachother. Contrast to international football with is often very soul-less nature. Most football internationals are dreadfully boring games between imbalanced teams with little knowledge of eachother and no rivalries. The tournament finals works well, the rest is just sad and very forgettable. Half-empty Wembley tonight for an england football game, which was probably as boring as virtualy all such games. But say England v Wales in even a dead rubber 6N games and you could sell 200,000 very expensive tickets.

It was a freindly to be fair and the game against Spain was a sell out.

You can't compare Rugby to Football. Football is played to a high professional level in dozens of counties, Rugby isn't.

So Rugby can have yearly tournaments such as the 6N's and Tri-Nations as there is no one else to play. Also England play the same teams virtually every Autumn (eg the 3N's next year). They are big games but they also get very repetitive.

Football has to have a qualifying structure for the WC and Euros. It has to be done due to the number of sides who could qualify.
This means the bigger teams don't play each other very often, so they play the occasional friendly. I'm pretty sure no one attending the Germany-Holland game thought it was boring or pointless.

Also Scotland struggle to sell out some internationals at murrayfield!

MS20

November 17th, 2011, 03:07 AM

Andy i

I think hes speaking from a rugby fans perspective. I'm a football fan first, and even the most boring friendlies are more exciting than any Test match in rugby. But I agree with him that have pro/rel in 6Nations would be counterproductive.

Just seen england are playing fiji next november, i wish they would play 2 or 3 games a year at other venues around the country like go elland road or anfield or st james park instead of every game at twickers

As you probably know Twickenham is owned by the RFU. It wouldn't make sense to gives money to Liverpool FC or NUFC when you can host it at your own home ground and rake in all the money.

bicho84

November 17th, 2011, 10:53 AM

Hi all.... what about european championship in rugby like it is in football??. one of some big countries can host the tournament in every 4 years. participants must be the big six nations rugby countries and other ENC countires(like Georgia, Russia , romania, spain and etc.)

TEBC

March 14th, 2012, 12:19 AM

when start the biding process?

Marsupalami

March 14th, 2012, 07:51 AM

not for another 5 years at least dude! - its only 2012

Lord David

March 14th, 2012, 08:51 AM

I'd say Argentina should bid. Otherwise, Canada might make a good choice for the Americas' first Rugby World Cup.

Canada and USA might work, but it would mostly be cities based on the border in a 50/50 shared number of venues (say 6 in Canada and 6 in USA). Have the Opener at Ottawa in Frank Clair Stadium for 45,000. Have the Final match at Washington DC at Fed Ex Field for 100,000. Or alternatively have the opening match at Toronto in perhaps an Olympic sized 80,000 seater venue and the Final at New York City at Medowlands Stadium.

likasz

March 14th, 2012, 11:45 AM

It will be Argentina or Italy for SURE!

Canada?Spain?Germany?Few people care about rugby in these countries.

Lord David

March 14th, 2012, 12:25 PM

But Canada's been to the Rugby World Cup 7 times, went to the quarter finals in 1991.

It would be a good opportunity to expand and grow the sport in the region, even if it doesn't necessarily mean what ever existing rugby league there is becomes more professional, or well known.

prahovaploiesti

March 14th, 2012, 12:53 PM

It will be Argentina or Italy for SURE!

Canada?Spain?Germany?Few people care about rugby in these countries.

Canada could work.
Maybe Romania, and I'm not saying it as a romanian.
There is interest for rugby here, the main stadium for rugby is almost full at most matches. When the weather is great it is packed. It only has 5500 seats but i think if it was bigger it would be full.
The problem is that except this one there are no other stadiums in great condition thet can be renovated that have the mesurements of a rugby field.

vitaming

March 14th, 2012, 03:29 PM

Unfortunately with the IRB's conservative nature and probably some reservations about ticket sales in Japan they will award it to a sure banker (likely SA). Then 2027 will be open to somewhere they can afford to take a gamble on expansion (US, Russia). Countries like Italy and Argentina are sort of caught in the middle.

DimitriB

March 14th, 2012, 06:47 PM

Italy would make perfect candidate.

I don't know how many stadiums there are needed to host the wc rugby, but there a few that can host some matches

Turin : Juventus Arena
Milan : San Siro
Genoa : Luigi Ferraris
Florence : Artemio Franchi
Rome : Olimpico
Pescara : Adriatico
Palermo : Renzo Barbera

They're all very good stadiums

Harry1990

March 14th, 2012, 07:29 PM

Im hoping italy 2023 then argentina 2027. Reckon italian stadiums will be much different by 2023 with roma, maybe inter as well as a few other serie a team having new build stadiums they own. What happening to the stadio flamino expansion?

Harry1990

March 14th, 2012, 07:31 PM

And when does bidding for the football world cup 2026 take place maybe argentina will bid for that ? Improve infrustcture, stadia etc

likasz

March 14th, 2012, 08:53 PM

Canada could work.
Maybe Romania, and I'm not saying it as a romanian.
There is interest for rugby here, the main stadium for rugby is almost full at most matches. When the weather is great it is packed. It only has 5500 seats but i think if it was bigger it would be full.
The problem is that except this one there are no other stadiums in great condition thet can be renovated that have the mesurements of a rugby field.

I know that rugby in your country is popular but I doubt if it is popular enough. You know you have many bigger stadiums.

In the other hand it can be popular in China in the next 10-15 years so who knows?

Poland played in WC Qualifications before of 6000-7000 fans and rugby is still a new thing here... but with good future.

TEBC

March 15th, 2012, 12:30 AM

I hope with argentina being part of rugby championship it gets more popular around South America so they can host it in 2031 after fifa WC

prahovaploiesti

March 15th, 2012, 12:50 AM

And when does bidding for the football world cup 2026 take place maybe argentina will bid for that ? Improve infrustcture, stadia etc

I don't know. Isn't it too soon after Brazil 2014.
I think 2026 will be China or Australia.
Maybe Argentina will bid for 2030 or 2034.

oxo

March 15th, 2012, 06:39 PM

The generous size of the area around the Stadion narodowy pitch in Warsaw is ideally suited for Rugby fixtures and I think that Rugby is gradually gaining more popularity in Poland.
In about 10 years Rugby could have quite a big following in Poland and be as popular as (or nearly as popular as) Speedway.

MS20

March 16th, 2012, 06:44 AM

Marsupalami

March 16th, 2012, 08:18 AM

Agg, look man, Im not being unkind to Italy or Canada, but it HAS to be a southern Hemisphere country - what with England AND THEN Japan .. so its South Africa, or Argentina all the way!!

prahovaploiesti

March 16th, 2012, 01:52 PM

Good point there.
2 consecutive northern hemisphere, so the 2023 should be in South Africa.
Argentina is a good option too.

Rascar

March 16th, 2012, 06:53 PM

Further to what vitaming said there seems to be a split between what are seen as "banker" world cups (guaranteed income for the 8 established unions) and more adventurous "spreading the game" world cups (hence Japan).

Surely the best option therefore is Italy, which is arguably both, can still be seen as expanding the games base, but is still a "banker" money wise. i.e. bang in the right timezone for Europe and S.Africa, would get 100,000s of travelling fans from Europe and Europe based Antipodians.

TEBC

March 17th, 2012, 08:08 AM

I don't know. Isn't it too soon after Brazil 2014.
I think 2026 will be China or Australia.
Maybe Argentina will bid for 2030 or 2034.

you know that we are talking about RUGBY, right?

TEBC

March 17th, 2012, 08:10 AM

South Africa should host.. it has the stadiums ready!! Argentina is still too soon, maybe 2031, after they host the 2030 WC

Harry1990

March 18th, 2012, 06:30 AM

If south africa was the host what you reckon for final venue much larger soccer city or the traditional home of the springboks and the venue of the 95 final Ellis park

Lord David

March 18th, 2012, 11:47 AM

^^ It'll be Ellis Park. Doubtful they'd ever want a bastion for Soccer to get the final, or any matches at all.

Mo Rush

March 18th, 2012, 12:24 PM

Rubbish. It would be Soccer City which was the the designate venue for the final in all 3 Rugby World Cup bids.

prahovaploiesti

March 18th, 2012, 08:49 PM

Double post

prahovaploiesti

March 18th, 2012, 08:50 PM

you know that we are talking about RUGBY, right?
Yes but I was replying to a post about the world cup 2026 bid.

Lord David

March 18th, 2012, 09:55 PM

Rubbish. It would be Soccer City which was the the designate venue for the final in all 3 Rugby World Cup bids.

Well it wasn't used for the 1995 World Cup. Nor should it be used for any future one, unless you want things to look stupid when you're using a stadium called Soccer City for a Rugby event.

Harry1990

March 18th, 2012, 10:32 PM

Maybe SC could be used for opening match 94 thousand bok fans would be a sight to behold than have the spiritual home of south african rugby host the final

Harry1990

March 18th, 2012, 10:34 PM

Marsupalami

March 19th, 2012, 06:02 AM

Rubbish. It would be Soccer City which was the the designate venue for the final in all 3 Rugby World Cup bids.

I Agree with Mo - It'll be Soccer City - because this has already been built for dual purpose, and hosted a record breaking crowd on 90000 plus against the All Blacks. This will help bridge the gap in SA life too, as Soccer City is in Soweto, and Rugby is our healing game for our nation, especially since Bafana Bafana are a joke :/

Marsupalami

March 19th, 2012, 06:04 AM

Well it wasn't used for the 1995 World Cup. Nor should it be used for any future one, unless you want things to look stupid when you're using a stadium called Soccer City for a Rugby event.

Its also known as the National Stadium, and will no doubt be renamed - perhaps after Nelson Mandela one day. Soccer City is the colloquial name for this place - a name the people gave to FNB stadium ( sponsored by a bank )

Marsupalami

March 19th, 2012, 06:08 AM

South Africa should host.. it has the stadiums ready!! Argentina is still too soon, maybe 2031, after they host the 2030 WC

Would be good if that was the case - they could plan the stadiums to acommodate rugby AND football from construction phase.
As they say..."build it and they will come" - by that stage Argentine will be performing well in the Rugby Championship ( Tri-nations Southern Hemisphere competition plus them - and perhaps their clubs that feed the Pumas will need bigger grounds and better facilities , and those clubs can be in the Super 15 competition - expanded to Super 20 by then, with national Regional pools. Awesome!!

Mo Rush

March 19th, 2012, 11:45 AM

Well it wasn't used for the 1995 World Cup. Nor should it be used for any future one, unless you want things to look stupid when you're using a stadium called Soccer City for a Rugby event.

You're wrong on this one, but I'll leave it at that.

http://www.iol.co.za/sport/rugby/springboks/bok-rugby-returns-to-fnb-stadium-1.1258387

MS20

March 19th, 2012, 01:22 PM

And bit of a wierd question does anyone know how many people are in the pacific islands approx? Know fiji, samoa tonga etc love there rugby especially sevens. Probs not possible infrustucture wise but a future WC there would be amazing

Fiji: 876,000
Tonga: 105,000
Samoa: 185,000

Tonga and Samoa, which made the last WC, are really small as you can see. Just about every borough in London is bigger than Samoa, and almost twice as big as Tonga.

To say its not possible infrastructure wise is being generous. The whole of Oceania has 37 million people: 22 million in Australia, 4.5 million in New Zealand, 7 million in Papua New Guinea, and then the 20 or so islands make up the other 3.5 million. Its by far the smallest continental region in the world. The next smallest is South America with 380 million.

Harry1990

March 19th, 2012, 11:19 PM

Yer cheers for that is a shame though cause they genuially have a passion for rugby. They should think about maybe a sevens world cup bid

Kazurro

March 20th, 2012, 02:27 AM

Well I dont know where to put it, but Spain won for first time in 20 years to Romania, and tops with Georgia the table of European Nations Cup. It's very important as our record vs Romania was 1-27 before the match. The crowd was 10,000 people.

Here you have the highlights of the match.

oF6M8mfzrJc

Harry1990

March 20th, 2012, 03:27 AM

Congrats good to see rugby being followed and improved around the world. Does spain have a home ground or does it do what the national football team does

MS20

March 20th, 2012, 03:28 AM

Thanks for the video.

Its great to see the last few big euro nations doing well, like italy and spain. The one last mystery is germanys lack of progress. You cant say its because football dominates, because it dominates sapin and italy yet they are producing teams getting results.

If germany was in italys position in rugby, they would be perfect for a world cup.

likasz

March 20th, 2012, 01:50 PM

Rugby could develop faster if top teams could play every season with other teams like Spain, Germany, Russia, Poland, Belgium, etc...

tommassi

March 20th, 2012, 06:04 PM

Congrats good to see rugby being followed and improved around the world. Does spain have a home ground or does it do what the national football team does

Sorry it's in Spanish: http://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Estadio_Nacional_Complutense

It's quite fitting that they play in the stadium of the biggest university in Madrid, since rugby here is mostly played in universities.

JYDA

March 20th, 2012, 10:20 PM

prahovaploiesti

March 20th, 2012, 10:52 PM

tikiturf

March 20th, 2012, 10:55 PM

Harry1990

March 21st, 2012, 02:40 AM

Rugby's problem is the same that it's always been. The exclusive private school upper class mentality. All of these ring-fenced closed shop competitions where inclusion is more about your economic contribution than anything else. Also the achaic snobbery towards professionalism that took until 1995 to shed and caused the union/league split. These are the reasons why football went global while rugby has been an utter failure expanding beyond the former briitish empire. For so long there was no professionalism, no world cup, no access to ring-fenced competitions, and as a result there's been little to nothing to aspire to.

I agree but would say especially during my lifetime it has made a concerted effort to promote rugby around the world. Im hoping rugny 7s included in the olypics will promote the sport futher. It should matter if you went to eton or a normal secondary school if you good enough you should play. It will probs be another 20 years before it fully devolps argentina in the tri nations is a massive step , maybe an expanded 6 nations or some sort of relegation/ promotion would help too

MS20

March 21st, 2012, 04:35 AM

Rugby's problem is the same that it's always been. The exclusive private school upper class mentality. All of these ring-fenced closed shop competitions where inclusion is more about your economic contribution than anything else. Also the achaic snobbery towards professionalism that took until 1995 to shed and caused the union/league split. These are the reasons why football went global while rugby has been arun utter failure expanding beyond the former briitish empire. For so long there was no professionalism, no world cup, no access to ring-fenced competitions, and as a result there's been little to nothing to aspire to.

Football dwarfs rugby because its far more accessible. Rugby will never match its popularity, not so much because it is elitist, but because its attracts much fewer players than football, which limits its future fanbase. Rugby league is not elitist, and suffers the same fate.

Look at England, both rugby union and league were invented in the country, yet they are second class citizens there compared to football. Its a sport that has limited popularity because its rough, and far fewer kids get exposed to its qualities as theyre growing up.

JYDA

March 21st, 2012, 07:20 AM

Football dwarfs rugby because its far more accessible. Rugby will never match its popularity, not so much because it is elitist, but because its attracts much fewer players than football, which limits its future fanbase. Rugby league is not elitist, and suffers the same fate.

Look at England, both rugby union and league were invented in the country, yet they are second class citizens there compared to football. Its a sport that has limited popularity because its rough, and far fewer kids get exposed to its qualities as theyre growing up.

You've fallen into the trap of equating athletic participation and accessibility with sports culture. They're not necessarily correlated and in several countries they're negatively correlated. Popularity of a sport in any given country is down to the way it is packaged and disseminated for mass consumption. This is where sport becomes culture.

For example american football is rough, expensive, and aside from a few years in high school, americans don't play it on a recreational basis. Yet it's by far the most popular sport in the United States because it successfully packaged a saturday and sunday afternoon product to become a weekly cultural ritual for americans in the fall. Meanwhile soccer has massive participation there but due to disagreements and power struggles between different organizations in the first half of the 20th century the opportunity to package a professional product to disseminate to the masses and form a culture was missed.

It's a similar story here in Canada where soccer has higher participation than hockey, yet soccer culture has been almost non-existent. Meanwhile the saturday night ritual of CBC's Hockey Night In Canada cemented the sports cultural place in the hearts, minds, and weekly water cooler discussions of Canadians for nearly the past century.

Getting back to rugby, there's a parallel between the dysfunctional disagreements of early 20th century american soccer and the league/union split in England. Rugby was just as culturally popular, if not more popular than football before the split. The split totally derailed it as a weekly cultural experience on a national level. League was consigned to regional status while Union was consigned to weekend excercise for the upper class. Historians have argued that the synergies of a unified code with professionalism from the beginning quite likely would've made Rugby the more popular spectator sport than football in England at least.

With respect to the rest of the world and the growth of the game, the same class war has repeated itself in many different places and ultimately had a negative effect. Australia is one but the most notable at the moment is South America and in particular Argentina. Despite large participation numbers, Rugby is not part of the cultural mainstream aside from the national team. The Pumas are the only exposure the citizenry gets to the game as a spectator. It's a game Argentines don't see or hear about until the world cup rolls around once every four years. After the successful 2007 world cup the IRB put forward a framework to professionalize the game in Argentina with additional teams in Uruguay and Chile. You would think the Argentine Union would want this but they don't due to the same class snobbery and a deep ideological attachment to amateurism. It's that same notion that Rugby is not something that is to be packaged as a form of entertainment for the unwashed masses. Rather it is a tool for weekend excercise and mental enlightenment for the upper classes. Things may change with acceptance to the tri-nations and olympic 7's, but growth of rugby as a mainstream cultural experience both in argentina and throughout south america is hampered as it has been elsewhere.

Lord David

March 21st, 2012, 08:46 AM

venki04ss

March 21st, 2012, 12:00 PM

I support your view. Canada is Commonwealth realm. They should host Rugby World Cup. UK, Aus, NZ, SA, Scotland support Canada. US and Argentina are strong contender. Canada would be Dark Horse.

Canada has the strongest national rugby side in north america and the second strongest in the americas after argentina.

Canada would make an excellent host. Given the lax rules with regards to venue capacity etc as compared to say the FIFA World Cup, I think they'd easily host the Rugby World Cup.

You could have it so that ALL Provinces host 1 city and games, with the Territories perhaps hosting pre-World Cup friendly matches or as training camps.

Ontario
- Toronto Skydome at 52,230 or New Stadium at 80,000.
- Ottawa Frank Clair Stadium at 26,000.

Quebec
- Montreal Olympic Stadium at 66,308.
- Quebec City New Stadium at 25,000.

Nova Scotia
- Halifax New Stadium at 20,000.

New Brunswick
- Moncton Stadium at 20,725.

Manitoba
- Winnipeg Blue Bombers Stadium at 40,000.

British Columbia
- Vancouver BC Place at 54,320.

Prince Edward Island
- Charlottetown New Stadium at 15,000.

Saskatchewan
- Regina New Roughriders Stadium at 50,000.

Alberta
- Edmonton Commonwealth Stadium at 60,081 OR Calgary McMahon Stadium at 40,000-50,000.

Newfoundland and Labrador
- St. John's Swilers Rugby Park at 15,000.

12 Stadiums in 12 cities in 10 Provinces. Then you can have the 3 Territories play an auxiliary role in the Rugby World Cup.
Up to 4 new stadiums. Toronto will need a new stadium if it's to host the final, otherwise it would be a renovated Olympic Stadium.
All Stadiums except for Swilers Rugby Park are effectively used for Canadian Football and or Soccer. Length of CFL field should be sufficient for a Rugby Union field.

Kazurro

March 21st, 2012, 03:15 PM

Rugby's problem is the same that it's always been. The exclusive private school upper class mentality. All of these ring-fenced closed shop competitions where inclusion is more about your economic contribution than anything else. Also the achaic snobbery towards professionalism that took until 1995 to shed and caused the union/league split. These are the reasons why football went global while rugby has been an utter failure expanding beyond the former briitish empire. For so long there was no professionalism, no world cup, no access to ring-fenced competitions, and as a result there's been little to nothing to aspire to.

As Tomassi said in Spain rugby is played mostly in universities. Lots of them (mostly public-funded) have a team, and during the amateur era we had a decent NT who was able to win Italy for example. However we didn't get to became professional (there has been some trials like the Superliga).

Our rugby is very influenced by the French one. We're one of the few countries who uses the French terminology instead of the English one and most of our NT players has French origins or are playing in this country. Furthermore several young players are playing in the inferior divisions of French teams so I'm a bit optimistic about the future of the NT.

flierfy

March 21st, 2012, 05:07 PM

Rugby's problem is the same that it's always been. The exclusive private school upper class mentality. All of these ring-fenced closed shop competitions where inclusion is more about your economic contribution than anything else. Also the achaic snobbery towards professionalism that took until 1995 to shed and caused the union/league split. These are the reasons why football went global while rugby has been an utter failure expanding beyond the former briitish empire. For so long there was no professionalism, no world cup, no access to ring-fenced competitions, and as a result there's been little to nothing to aspire to.

May I provokingly ask who exactly needs a World Cup when you play a 5 Nations tournament each year. I'd rather see the best 6 nations play each other annually in a highly popular tournament than Euro Championship finals in some 3rd world countries. I wished football were organised like rugby union, ruled from London and serving the best nations only.

tommassi

March 21st, 2012, 05:27 PM

May I provokingly ask who exactly needs a World Cup when you play a 5 Nations tournament each year. I'd rather see the best 6 nations play each other annually in a highly popular tournament than Euro Championship finals in some 3rd world countries. I wished football were organised like rugby union, ruled from London and serving the best nations only.

That'd be fitting, since by having the HQ in London and serving only the best nations, they'd be on neutral ground.

tommassi

March 21st, 2012, 05:45 PM

As Tomassi said in Spain rugby is played mostly in universities. Lots of them (mostly public-funded) have a team, and during the amateur era we had a decent NT who was able to win Italy for example. However we didn't get to became professional (there has been some trials like the Superliga).

Our rugby is very influenced by the French one. We're one of the few countries who uses the French terminology instead of the English one and most of our NT players has French origins or are playing in this country. Furthermore several young players are playing in the inferior divisions of French teams so I'm a bit optimistic about the future of the NT.

The real problem with rugby in Spain is that almost no one plays it before going into university. So that, even the best players, and those who usually made it to he NT, wouldn't even touch a rugby ball until they were 18 or 19. Way too old.

As far as I know, there're a few teams and schools (mostly french and english schools) that now get kids practicing rugby, but still to few (and too elitist, they're by no mean cheap schools to send your kids to) to really have a player base from which to consistently deliver pro players of a decent level, not event top level.

Also, at least in Madrid and northern Spain, there're more rugby fans that you would think... but they (we, actually) follow more avidly Six Nations than NT. For many different reasons, one of them being that there is no way to follow the NT by TV, for example.

Can that change? I'm not really optimistic.

Kazurro

March 21st, 2012, 08:58 PM

Yes that's also true. With the exception of some cities like Valladolid children dont play rugby.

JYDA

March 21st, 2012, 10:09 PM

Canada would make an excellent host. Given the lax rules with regards to venue capacity etc as compared to say the FIFA World Cup, I think they'd easily host the Rugby World Cup.

You could have it so that ALL Provinces host 1 city and games, with the Territories perhaps hosting pre-World Cup friendly matches or as training camps.

Ontario
- Toronto Skydome at 52,230 or New Stadium at 80,000.
- Ottawa Frank Clair Stadium at 26,000.

Quebec
- Montreal Olympic Stadium at 66,308.
- Quebec City New Stadium at 25,000.

Nova Scotia
- Halifax New Stadium at 20,000.

New Brunswick
- Moncton Stadium at 20,725.

Manitoba
- Winnipeg Blue Bombers Stadium at 40,000.

British Columbia
- Vancouver BC Place at 54,320.

Prince Edward Island
- Charlottetown New Stadium at 15,000.

Saskatchewan
- Regina New Roughriders Stadium at 50,000.

Alberta
- Edmonton Commonwealth Stadium at 60,081 OR Calgary McMahon Stadium at 40,000-50,000.

Newfoundland and Labrador
- St. John's Swilers Rugby Park at 15,000.

12 Stadiums in 12 cities in 10 Provinces. Then you can have the 3 Territories play an auxiliary role in the Rugby World Cup.
Up to 4 new stadiums. Toronto will need a new stadium if it's to host the final, otherwise it would be a renovated Olympic Stadium.
All Stadiums except for Swilers Rugby Park are effectively used for Canadian Football and or Soccer. Length of CFL field should be sufficient for a Rugby Union field.

I believe it would work. People love a big event. CFL stadiums are well suited to rugby because the field dimensions are nearly identical. There are plenty of new stadiums in the works, under construction, or recently renovated. The only complications would be getting the surfaces switched to grass and possible conflicts with the CFL season. This could easily be solved by holding it in May or June.

The only reservation I'd have is the competitiveness of our Canadian team. We'd need to find a way to professionalize the game to get to a tier 1 standard. There are decent participation numbers and a good rugby culture in certain places, particularly the west coast and Newfoundland. We just need that missing link to give young players something to aspire to.

Walbanger

March 22nd, 2012, 04:58 AM

I believe it would work. People love a big event. CFL stadiums are well suited to rugby because the field dimensions are nearly identical. There are plenty of new stadiums in the works, under construction, or recently renovated. The only complications would be getting the surfaces switched to grass and possible conflicts with the CFL season. This could easily be solved by holding it in May or June.

The only reservation I'd have is the competitiveness of our Canadian team. We'd need to find a way to professionalize the game to get to a tier 1 standard. There are decent participation numbers and a good rugby culture in certain places, particularly the west coast and Newfoundland. We just need that missing link to give young players something to aspire to.

I'd love to see it happen too. A joint bid with the USA may also be an option though their American Football grounds are generally too small for Rugby (considering the hight of the sideline fences) as the Rugby field is generally 10m longer and 20m wider. The Stadium in Hartford can fit a Rugby field, so can the Dolphins Stadium (whatever it's called now). Baseball stadiums and MLS stadiums are an option.

You'd imagine the IRB would accept less compromise in field dimensions (Rugby Union is slighly flexible in this regard like Soccer) for a World Cup. Still Old Trafford will host games in 2015 and that ground certainly can't fit a standard minimum 11m deep ingoal area (endzone) so there is precedent. Maybe by the mid 2020's the IRB will accept Artificial surfaces.

May or June could either be fine or complicated depending on the priorities of the respective Unions and Media Groups. That time frame puts it in immediate conflict with Club Rugby in the Northern Hemisphere and the Super Rugby in the Southern Hemisphere. The Six Nations would be over but the Tri-Nations (or what ever it's called now) would been pushed back, though I imagine that's not too much of a problem.

Lord David

March 22nd, 2012, 07:54 AM

Harry1990

March 22nd, 2012, 08:16 AM

i dont see a problem for canada hosting personally dont think it will happen for a while as in my opinion it would be too expensive for the european market to travel en masse to north america unless the canadian government offererd them really really really cheap flights.

for example if your from england, scotland wales etc and the world cup was say held in italy you could get very cheap flights etc and the IRB would no the RWC would be a sell out there and same with South Africa its obviously a popular rugby playing country know it would sell well that why the IRB will go there.

im a bit torn about whats the best way to devolp rugby if hosting the tournament in places like Canada,USA, Georgi, Russia etc which could cause a upsurge of interest in the area or the other thing they could do is have it in my established countries England, South Africa etc make loads of money and than filterer that extra money down

Harry1990

March 22nd, 2012, 08:22 AM

do you think like a tour team with a mix of Canada and USA players would work sort of like a British Lions team, could maybe tour northern hemisphere i know the Pacific Islanders have a combined team

and this isnt meant to sound like demeaning its like an authentic question do you think the Canada, USA and teams around that level would they say compete with for Example England A or England U20's or is there still a pretty large gap score wise?. i know the devolping teams playing brilliantly during the World Cup and maybe if they played the tier 1 teams on a regular basis they would improbe quicker.

they should never have got rid of the Churchill Cup

Harry1990

March 22nd, 2012, 08:24 AM

for those of you that have never heard of it this is what the churchill cup was

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Churchill_Cup

Lord David

March 22nd, 2012, 08:25 AM

^^ Aherm, hello! Australia and NZ for that matter is like far further and less linked transportation wise than Canada.

There are many flights from Europe to Canada and the US for that matter, where in the case of Australia/NZ you'd have to either come from the US (LA, SF or NYC), the UK (London), a few European cities for some airports and mostly Asia.

Canada is far better linked air flight wise than Australia or NZ are. Closer too. There will always be some cheap option to get to the nation which is hosting, dedicated fans and those willing to travel will end up getting to the end destination anyways, because they want to go there. If it's in Canada, people will go, distance withstanding.

Harry1990

March 22nd, 2012, 08:29 AM

yes but NZ and Australia have a huge rugby following, its a proffesional sport etc so it less of a risk isnt it. Rugby is the Sport of New Zealand and its a big sport in Australia admittly behind cricket , aussie rules and league but still big

i would no exactly how popular the Canadian National rugby team is but im assuming that it falls miles behind ice hockey, football, baseball

Harry1990

March 22nd, 2012, 08:30 AM

^^ sorry for my terrible spelling im sure you get the picture what im trying to say though

Lord David

March 22nd, 2012, 08:35 AM

I'm sure there's plenty of Canadians here that would say it's hugely popular, in Eastern Canada mostly.

It's gonna be a bid about growing the sport, bringing it to new places and the lasting legacy of a domestic Canadian league, using a mix of new venues built for the RWC, as well as some existing rugby venues in major cities which will be offering their CFL stadiums for the RWC.

The league will be small, with many stadiums barely making the 20,000 mark, but could span all Provinces and be reasonably popular enough to be a lasting legacy of the RWC.

Harry1990

March 22nd, 2012, 08:47 AM

im sure Canada would be a great host country i just think in the eyes of the IRB who ultimately make the decision they will see 2023 as maybe to early. maybe 2031 would be more likely to be succesful.

you just have to hope that the IRB stays corruption free unlike FIFA and desicions are made on merit alone.

Walbanger

March 22nd, 2012, 10:39 AM

Apparently the IRB has asked USA Rugby to consider bidding for the 2023 World Cup. Canada is also mentioned as a potential joint bid partner.

http://www.universalsports.com/news-blogs/article/newsid=569413.html
http://www.universalsports.com/news-blogs/article/newsid=500280.html

After a scan through google earth I could only find a handful of Stadia in the USA that can fit a full sized Rugby Union pitch (122m/68m). They were the LA Coliseum, Legion Field, Dolphins Stadium, Rutgers Stadium, Rentschler Field, Memorial Stadium (Uni of Kansas) and Memorial Stadium (Uni of Illinois). I doubt that Rugby would hold that much appeal to some of these markets, specifically the South. Numerous other Stadiums either weren't long enough or wide enough.

If the IRB relaxed dimensions to a uniform 116m/65m then that opens up the options to many more venues such as the Rose Bowl, Gillette Stadium, Cleveland Stadium, Heinz Field, Quest Field, Coors Field and numerous MLS stadia which have already been used for USA Rugby iunternationals and Rugby 7's.

No doubt there's some Athletics Stadiums in the USA which I'm not aware of that are of appropriate quality and capacity to also be suitable venues for a Rugby World Cup.

All CFL Stadiums but Hamilton's Ivor Wynne Stadium can fit the full sized Rugby pitch.