World Rugby has announced the appointment of Megan Rose as the managing director of the 2031 Men's Rugby World Cup, marking a significant step as the sport prepares for its first major tournament on American soil.
Rose's Background in Sports
Megan Rose, formerly a professional tennis player, has a strong résumé in the sports industry. A five-time collegiate All-American from the University of Miami, she excelled as a national indoor champion and competed on the WTA Tour. After her playing career, she transitioned into coaching, leading Princeton to an Ivy League tennis championship. Her experience also includes roles at the WTA and the USTA, where she served as managing director of major events.
A Historic Opportunity
In her new role, Rose expressed excitement about the opportunity ahead, stating, “The Rugby World Cup is among the most iconic events in global sports... It’s an extraordinary honor to bring this tournament to the United States for the first time.”
The Rugby World Cup is often considered the third-largest sporting event globally, following the FIFA World Cup and the Olympic Games. The tournament will follow the 2027 men’s and 2029 women’s World Cups hosted by Australia, making the 2031 event a crucial milestone for growing rugby in the U.S.
Upcoming Events and Local Engagement
Rose’s appointment follows a record-breaking match where over 68,000 fans watched South Africa's men’s team defeat New Zealand in Baltimore. This remarkable event set a new attendance record for rugby union in the U.S. Soon, fans can look forward to international matches taking place this weekend in Nashville, where the US Eagles women will face Italy, followed by the men’s team competing against an Australia XV.
Next weekend in New Jersey, the Eagles women will take on England, the current world champions, while the men will once again face Australia.
Vision for Rugby's Future in the USA
Rose highlighted the significance of the 2031 World Cup as a “once-in-a-generation opportunity” to attract millions of American fans to rugby, aiming to create lasting momentum for the sport. Collaborating closely with USA Rugby and various stakeholders, she hopes to craft an extraordinary Rugby World Cup that will have a lasting impact beyond the tournament itself.
World Rugby CEO Alan Gilpin praised Rose’s leadership skills and experience, stating, “She is an outstanding leader with a proven track record of delivering world-class sporting events and driving innovation.” He emphasized the importance of her role during this pivotal time in U.S. rugby.
Rugby's Landscape in the United States
Currently, the U.S. has a men's professional league—Major League Rugby (MLR)—and a semi-professional women's league, known as Women’s Elite Rugby. While MLR has been operational since 2018, its teams have faced challenges, leading to a reduction in the number of participating teams. The women’s league is also navigating similar difficulties.
Despite these challenges, the college rugby scene in the United States remains robust, although it suffers from organizational fragmentation and issues related to funding. The U.S. Eagles men’s team did not qualify for the 2023 World Cup in France but is focused on the upcoming tournament in Australia.
Concerns have been voiced globally about the potential success of a U.S.-hosted World Cup, particularly in engaging American fans and expanding rugby’s footprint. However, the successful turnout in Baltimore reassured officials about the possibilities.
World Rugby concluded their announcement with optimism, stating that with increased match content and growing fan interest in the U.S., the country is positioned to offer a transformative stage for future Rugby World Cups, supporting the sport's global growth ambitions.