Japan Rugby Football Union Submits Bid to Host Rugby World Cup 2035
The Japan Rugby Football Union (JRFU) has formally submitted its Applicant Questionnaire to World Rugby, confirming Japan’s participation in the selection process to host Rugby World Cup 2035.
The bid builds on the legacy of Rugby World Cup 2019, the first Rugby World Cup to be hosted in Asia. Japan’s vision for 2035 is to deliver a world-class, safe and sustainable Rugby World Cup, underpinned by rugby’s “NO SIDE SPIRIT” and creating lasting connections across Japan, Asia and the global rugby community.
JRFU President Masato Tsuchida said:
“We have formally submitted our bid to host Rugby World Cup 2035.
On behalf of the JRFU, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to World Rugby, the Government of Japan, local authorities, Diet members and all those who have contributed to and supported the preparation of our bid.
Rugby World Cup 2019 demonstrated the unique power of rugby and its potential to create new opportunities and connections. Building on that legacy, we aspire to deliver an even more advanced, safe and world-class stage for Rugby World Cup 2035.
At the heart of our vision is ‘NO SIDE SPIRIT’ — a message rooted in rugby and in Japan’s rugby culture, reflecting the spirit of mutual respect and recognition that brings people together beyond competition and national borders.
With an All-Japan effort, we will work with determination throughout the host selection process and seek to once again warmly welcome the global rugby family to Japan.”
The submission follows the establishment of the RWC 2035 Bid Advisory Committeeon 25 September and the RWC 2035 Bid Diet Members League on 29 September.
The JRFU will now continue to work with World Rugby through the next stages of the selection process, as well as further dialogue with World Rugby. World Rugby is scheduled to identify its preferred host in May 2027, with the formal appointment of the host nation to be made by the World Rugby Council in November 2027, during Rugby World Cup 2027 in Australia.