St. Louis Has Submitted Bid for 2031 Rugby World Cup
The city seeks to host matches at the Dome at America's Center during the 2031 tournament.
Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Other Sports
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The St. Louis Sports Commission has officially submitted a bid to become a host city for the 2031 Men's Rugby World Cup in the United States. St. Louis is one of 27 cities that provided letters of intent to host matches for the tournament.
Why it matters
The commission aims to utilize the event to grow the popularity of rugby in the U.S. while bringing a major global competition to the region. As the third-largest sports tournament in the world, the event serves as a significant opportunity for host cities to gain international exposure.
St. Louis is competing among 27 cities for a host spot for the 2031 Men's Rugby World Cup. The tournament is ranked as the third-largest sports event globally.
The players
St. Louis Sports Commission
This entity is responsible for attracting and hosting major sporting events to boost the local economy and visibility of St. Louis.
World Rugby
This international governing body manages the sport of rugby union and oversees the administration of the Men's Rugby World Cup.
Dome at America's Center
This multi-purpose indoor stadium is the proposed venue for hosting rugby matches in St. Louis.
The details
The St. Louis Sports Commission proposes hosting matches at the Dome at America's Center during September and October 2031. World Rugby will evaluate the final proposals submitted by candidates before determining the final roster of host cities.
Timeline
September 2025: World Rugby announced 27 cities provided letters of intent.
January 2027: The deadline for submitting final bid proposals.
February 2027: The expected announcement of candidate host cities.
September and October 2031: The proposed window for matches at the Dome.
Season Trajectory
This bid reflects the ongoing strategy of American cities to leverage existing stadium infrastructure for global tournament hosting, similar to the 2026 FIFA World Cup host city selection process. Winning the bid would establish St. Louis as a major international hub for non-traditional domestic sports.
If successful, the bid would secure high-profile international matches for the Dome at America's Center, potentially creating a significant economic impact for the city's hospitality and tourism sectors. Residents should anticipate future updates on facility requirements and potential infrastructure upgrades needed for international rugby standards.
The takeaway
The selection process highlights the competitive nature of hosting global tournaments that require significant regional cooperation and infrastructure. Local stakeholders should monitor the January 2027 proposal deadline for further details on how the bid aligns with the city's broader long-term economic development goals.
Further reading
Learn more about local athletic developments in the Other Sports section.
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