Why South Africa And New Zealand May Not Host World Cup Again

Why South Africa And New Zealand May Not Host World Cup Again 

By Niyi Busari 

Despite their dominance on the field, South Africa and New Zealand appear increasingly unlikely to host another Rugby World Cup, as financial considerations reshape the tournament’s future, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

Between them, the two nations have claimed seven Webb Ellis Cups. South Africa are four-time champions, lifting the trophy in 1995, 2007, 2019 and 2023, while New Zealand have won three titles and remain, alongside South Africa, the only nation to secure back-to-back triumphs. Australia (1991, 1999) and England (2003) are the only other men’s champions.

Yet, while their pedigree is unquestioned, the economic realities of modern sport are reshaping hosting decisions. New Zealand staged the inaugural tournament in 1987 and hosted again in 2011. South Africa’s sole hosting came in 1995, the year they made their tournament debut following readmission to international sport.

Future tournaments are already allocated: Australia will host in 2027, followed by the United States in 2031. Meanwhile, World Rugby has begun the process of selecting a host for the 2035 edition, with a final decision expected in 2027.

Financial Imperatives

According to South African Rugby Union (SARU) chief executive Rian Oberholzer, financial constraints make it increasingly difficult for traditional rugby strongholds to compete with wealthier markets.

Oberholzer recently acknowledged that the Rugby World Cup represents World Rugby’s primary revenue stream, funding the sport’s global ecosystem. As such, the governing body is compelled to award hosting rights to nations capable of delivering the strongest financial guarantees, including substantial government backing.

His remarks reflect a broader strategic shift. Rather than rotating the tournament among established rugby nations, World Rugby has prioritised expansion into new and commercially lucrative territories. The United States, for example, represents a significant growth market with commercial upside far beyond traditional rugby audiences.

Oberholzer suggested that South Africa and New Zealand, despite their passionate fan bases and proven organisational capability, cannot match the revenue potential of larger European economies or emerging markets in the Middle East.

“I don’t think it’s a negative on us,” he said, characterising the approach as a pragmatic response to what best serves the sport globally.

Debate Over Commercial Logic

The stance has prompted debate among supporters. Critics argue that rugby’s popularity in New Zealand and South Africa ensures strong ticket sales, vibrant atmospheres and robust broadcast audiences regardless of location. Some question whether television rights revenue — negotiated globally — would differ significantly based on host nation.

Others point to the wider economic impact for host countries. France, which staged the 2023 tournament, reportedly attracted approximately 425,000 international visitors. Applied to South Africa’s tourism sector, such figures could represent billions in potential economic activity.

However, hosting modern mega-events requires significant financial guarantees and infrastructure commitments. Comparisons have been drawn with the legacy of the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa, where costly stadium developments and stringent commercial controls left a mixed economic legacy.

A Shift in Philosophy

At the heart of the issue lies a philosophical evolution. The notion that all major rugby nations should have an equitable opportunity to host appears to be giving way to a commercially driven model. For World Rugby, maximising tournament revenue is viewed as essential to funding development programmes, professional competitions and emerging markets worldwide.

For South Africa and New Zealand — nations where rugby holds deep cultural significance — the reality may be sobering. On-field excellence no longer guarantees off-field influence in determining where the sport’s showpiece event will be staged.

As the bidding process for 2035 gathers pace, the question is not whether these rugby giants can host successfully. Rather, it is whether they can compete in an era where financial scale increasingly outweighs tradition.