The 2035 Rugby World Cup Must Reflect the Game’s Values — Not Betray Them

As reports surface about a joint bid from Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE to host the 2035 Rugby World Cup, the rugby community finds itself at a familiar crossroads — one that forces us to weigh the promise of new markets against the principles we claim to uphold.

The potential for a Middle East-hosted Rugby World Cup is, on paper, historic. It would mark the first time the tournament lands in the region, following in the footsteps of football’s expansion. The stadiums are state-of-the-art. The ambitions are bold. And the backing from Rugby Asia indicates serious regional momentum.

The Gulf states aren’t the only nations interested in the tournament, though, with South Africa, Italy and Spain also preparing to table bids for the Men’s 2035 RWC.

But let’s be clear: a tournament of this magnitude can’t just be about infrastructure and investment.

It must also be about integrity.

Inclusivity Isn’t Optional

Rugby has worked hard in recent years to market itself as a sport for all — regardless of gender, race, ability, or sexual orientation. Yet, all three nations involved in this bid — Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE — have troubling records when it comes to the rights and safety of LGBTQ+ individuals.

In these countries, same-sex relationships remain criminalized. In some cases, punishable by imprisonment — or worse. This isn’t a theoretical issue. It’s a lived reality for LGBTQ+ people, both residents and visitors. Hosting a global tournament in an environment where not all fans, players, and staff would feel safe simply because of who they are sends a message — and not the right one.

French captain Antoine Dupont has spoken out against discrimination in rugby, stating:

“From now on, if a player makes homophobic remarks on the pitch, I would stop the match because things have to change.”

His words are a powerful reminder that change in rugby doesn’t just start with rules — it starts with leadership.

Emilie Bydwell, Head Coach of the USA Women’s Sevens team, reminds us that inclusion isn’t just a nice-to-have — it’s a foundational part of rugby’s identity:

“Rugby at its core is inclusive. When I joined the rugby club at Brown, I had never experienced such a welcoming and empowering environment which then allowed me the space to figure out who I am and what I value as an athlete and person… It’s important to continue to do the work to ensure that all spaces that we have influence over remain positive and safe, and not take things for granted just because rugby has been historically positive.”

And Gareth Thomas, one of the first professional male rugby players to come out as gay, put it plainly:

“I don’t want to be known as a gay rugby player. I am a rugby player, first and foremost. I am a man.”

His courage helped shift perceptions in the sport — a legacy that should be honored by ensuring future tournaments provide a safe and respectful environment for all.

A Broader Reckoning for World Rugby

These concerns about LGBTQ+ safety don’t exist in isolation. They’re part of a wider conversation around inclusion and equality in the sport — including World Rugby’s own policies.

As of 2020, World Rugby became the first international sports federation to formally ban transgender women (MTF) from participating in women’s rugby at the international level, citing concerns over player safety due to physiological differences. Despite this policy being positioned as a safety measure, it has sparked backlash from players, advocacy groups, and human rights organizations who argue it undermines the sport’s core value of inclusion.

While World Rugby says it supports ongoing research and potential changes to the policy, the current stance contributes to an environment where trans women are excluded from the highest levels of the game. Pair this with a potential World Cup hosted in countries where LGBTQ+ people face legal persecution, and it becomes increasingly difficult to reconcile the sport’s aspirational messaging with its real-world decisions.

Sport Shouldn’t Just Follow the Money

Of course, sport doesn’t exist in a vacuum. World Rugby, like other global sporting bodies, faces immense financial pressures. A World Cup in the Gulf could unlock new sponsorships and audiences. But if the only metric we use to determine a host is economic opportunity, we risk eroding the moral foundation of the game.

We’ve seen how this plays out. The 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar sparked global outcry over similar issues — from labor abuses to LGBTQ+ rights. Rugby has a chance to do better.

What Kind of Game Do We Want to Grow?

This isn’t about excluding countries permanently from the global rugby table. Growth, development, and dialogue are essential. But that growth must be tied to progress. Hosting a Rugby World Cup should be an earned privilege — not a reward for wealth or ambition alone.

World Rugby has the opportunity to set the tone for the next generation of the sport. If we truly believe in creating an inclusive, equitable game, then we must ensure our flagship events are held in places that reflect those values — not contradict them.

Looking Ahead

The 2035 Rugby World Cup is still a decade away. There is time — time for progress, time for open conversation, and time for World Rugby to stand firm in its principles. But the foundation must be laid now.

Rugby can be a global game without compromising its soul.

Let’s not trade pride for profit.