The World Rugby Union posted the next batch of Rugby World Cup locations, and for the first time EVER, the United States will host a Rugby World Cup for both men's and women's competition. This is the largest country the Rugby World Cup has ever been hosted in, so there are plenty of options for match sites. One of the options is our own city. Kansas City has submitted a bid to become a match site, and has the ability to back it up as well.
Rugby here in the MoKan area has strong roots and tradition. Some of the oldest clubs this side of the Mississippi reside here, and from youth to top flight club level the rugby played is excellent, boasting one of the best high school programs in the nation in St. Thomas Aquinas out of Johnson County as well as other nationally ranked programs such as the Jr. Blues. There is a strong rugby community here, and it's a community that will absolutely support further growth of the game.
Another few factors though lie outside of rugby, and that is the capacity for KC to host something as large as a Rugby World Cup event and the public interest garnered. Kansas City has already put in to host soccer World Cup matches in 2026, and seems to be a good contender with the soccer culture that is here as well as the amenities needed to host an even bigger event than the Rugby World Cup. In my opinion that is not an issue, what could pose an issue however is the public support. Obviously rugby takes a backseat to American football in the states, and most people don't even know the rules of the game. However, rugby is very quickly growing in the US, which is in part why the World Rugby Union chose to hold it here a decade from now, to allow for the sport to grow further and have the World Cup here as a sort of zenith to American rugby growth in a way. The fan support here in KC would be monumental though, Kansas City is home to some of the most diehard fans in the US no matter the sport. Representing our nation like this would only fuel the fire and passion. I believe we are a perfect city for the Rugby World Cup (and the soccer World cup too) for that and many more reasons.
Exciting times here in the States for rugby. The game is truly rising, and as a player, fan, and lover of the game, this was historic news released today. I am beyond excited to see where this game goes from here, and will be even more excited if Kansas City gets a few games.
Burn Notice: 10/10 Hotter than a scrum on the 4th of July
Comments