Australia gets ‘preferred’ status for Rugby World Cup in ’27

LONDON (AP) — The Rugby World Cup appears set to be heading back to Australia in 2027 and the United States is likely next in line for 2031. Australia has been awarded “preferred candidate” status by World Rugby. Australia co-hosted the inaugural Rugby World Cup with New Zealand in 1987 and hosted again in 2003. The decision is expected to be finalized next May. England was selected as the preferred candidate to host the women’s Rugby World Cup in 2025. World Rugby also says it will enter what it describes as “exclusive targeted dialogue” with the United States about hosting the men’s tournament in 2031. That would mark the first time the event would be held in North America.