After South Africa v New Zealand in USA, what about playing a major rugby Test in Dubai?
It is for good reason that talk of a Middle East-based bid to stage the 2035 Rugby World Cup has cooled. The formal deadline for submitting bids to World Rugby is next month. Despite the announcement last year that a combined project involving Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Qatar was being readied, it is likely to be too soon for that to happen. Once Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund announced…
While the Middle East has seen some success with sports events, staging a major rugby World Cup in the region seems unlikely. The formal deadline for submitting bids to World Rugby is approaching, and the proposed Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Qatar partnership may not be ready in time. However, the region could potentially host elite rugby Tests, such as the upcoming South Africa vs. New Zealand match in Baltimore.
The 2019 World Cup in Japan proved to be an economic and sporting success, drawing over 857 million global viewers and a 99.3% capacity attendance. Despite rugby remaining a niche sport in the Gulf, ambitious figures like Qais Al Dhalai of Asia Rugby believe that nothing is impossible. An exhibition match between Springbok legends in Jebel Ali has sparked interest, but efforts to stage a full Test match in Dubai have so far failed.
Nonetheless, annual events like the Dubai Sevens showcase the region's potential for large-scale sporting gatherings.
Written by urgent.news from The National UAE's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
Also reported by 3 other outlets
- After South Africa v New Zealand in USA, what about playing a major rugby Test in Dubai? thenationalnews.com
- Bosch 83 sets up South Africa's comfortable win cricinfo.com
- 8 major Dubai changes happening this September timeoutdubai.com
