'Why not?': Saudi Arabia floats audacious Rugby World Cup bid for 2035

The Sports Minister of Saudi Arabia, Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal, has confirmed the nation's intent to host the tournament in 10 years, just one year after hosting the 2034 Football World Cup.

Following an appearance at last weekend's Formula 1 Jeddah Grand Prix, the minister was asked about the prospect of hosting the event of a sport that Saudi Arabia seldom plays.

"We're interested in rugby, we're interested in developing the sport locally, so we created a federation to see what we can do to develop the sport," he said.

"I don't think we're on the level of hosting yet, but 2035 is in 10 years, so maybe it grows in that direction and we see a big interest in that, then why not?"

When quizzed on the idea of three nations joining together to showcase the event, the Sports Minister added: "A multi-host could be a successful story and a new model for rugby. UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia. Why not? The stadiums are ready there. It will be the most successful event in the history of rugby."

Of the three, the United Arab Emirates is by far the most competitive team, sitting inside the world's top 50 in 49th place.

On the other hand, the other nations are newcomers in the sport with Qatar ranked 87th and Saudi Arabia not even in the top 113.

But with a decade until the potential spectacle and a likely large financial fund for the sport in Saudi Arabia, it's impossible to rule out a rise over the next few years if their bid were to be successful.

The country has become a hub for various sports, regularly hosting major events in boxing, UFC, and Formula 1, while the rise in football standards and cricketâ™s growing popularity has been monumental in recent years.

While admitting the country won't be able to host all events, the Sports Minister highlighted his desire to increase participation in a range of sports in Saudi Arabia.

"I think our main intention is to develop sports within the kingdom," he admitted.

"And then today we have roughly 97 federations. We're not going to host everything with 97 federations, but why do we have 97 federations? It's because we want to promote sports.

"Even the smallest sports that maybe a small number of people participate in, Saudi, or there isn't that big of an interest.

"At least someone can play that sport in the kingdom, and that's the idea of developing. I'm sure some will grow into bigger areas and develop into bigger participation and so on."

The nation will have plenty of time to grow the game with the next edition of the Rugby World Cup taking place in Australia in 2027 while the USA will host the event for the first time in 2031.

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