With the 2025 Rugby World Cup entering its final phases, the global rugby calendar is more vibrant than ever. If you’ve just discovered women’s rugby and are looking for what to watch next, here’s what’s coming up, including major events that are a must-watch for any new fan. We are also working on a comprehensive guide to all the global competitions for women’s rugby, which we will link to here once it is published.
A Look at the Upcoming Schedule
2027: Rugby World Cup (Men) – Australia
The men’s game heads back to Australia for the first time since 2003. This tournament is projected to be a major economic driver, with an estimated $2.8 billion in direct and indirect expenditure and over 14,000 jobs created. The event is part of a “green and gold decade” of sporting events in Australia, culminating in the 2032 Olympics. With an expanded 24-team format, this World Cup aims to be more inclusive and ambitious than ever before, bringing a festival of rugby to cities across the nation, including Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Perth.
2028: Summer Olympics (Rugby Sevens) – USA
The spotlight shifts to the USA, which will host the Olympic Rugby Sevens tournament as part of the Los Angeles 2028 Games. This is a monumental opportunity for the sport in one of the world’s largest sports markets. The event is a key pillar of World Rugby’s strategy to grow its presence in North America, with the aim of creating a lasting legacy for the sport ahead of two consecutive home World Cups. The Sevens format is a perfect fit for the Olympic stage, showcasing the speed and dynamism of the game to new audiences.
2029: Rugby World Cup (Women) – Australia
Just two years after the men’s event, Australia will host the women’s Rugby World Cup. This unprecedented back-to-back hosting arrangement showcases Australia’s commitment to both the men’s and women’s games and will provide a significant platform for the rapidly growing sport. The tournament is expected to further boost participation rates for women and girls in Australia and the broader Pacific region.
2031: Rugby World Cup (Men) – USA
For the first time in history, the men’s Rugby World Cup will be hosted in the United States. This is a “paradigm-shifting catalyst” for the sport, according to World Rugby officials. The tournament is expected to draw a massive global audience and has the potential to build the largest rugby fanbase in the world. World Rugby has committed significant investment, over $250 million into the U.S. rugby ecosystem in the years leading up to this event to ensure its success and create a lasting legacy.
2032: Summer Olympics (Rugby Sevens) – Australia
The Olympic Rugby Sevens tournament returns to Australia as part of the Brisbane 2032 Games. This event will solidify the sport’s position in a rugby-loving nation while capitalizing on the infrastructure and momentum built from the back-to-back World Cups.
2033: Rugby World Cup (Women) – USA
Following the men’s tournament, the USA will host the women’s Rugby World Cup in 2033. This event is a critical component of World Rugby’s plan to elevate the women’s game. With the USA’s passion for women’s sports and the groundwork laid by the 2028 Olympics and 2031 men’s World Cup, this tournament is poised to be the biggest and most impactful in the sport’s history.
The Final Stretch
The schedule for the final years of the decade is still taking shape, but the pattern of major tournaments is set to continue:
- 2035: Rugby World Cup (Men) – Host TBC
- 2036: Summer Olympics (Rugby Sevens) – Host TBC
This new calendar, with its consistent cycle of 15s World Cups and Olympic Sevens, provides a clear and exciting roadmap for fans, players, and hosts alike, ensuring the sport’s continued growth on a global scale.
