MINNEAPOLIS — Minneapolis has emerged as one of 27 cities/areas vying to host the 2031 Men's Rugby World Cup following last week's United by Rugby Summit in Chicago.

World Rugby announced the 27 finalists on Thursday, paving the way for the first-ever Rugby World Cup held in the United States. The effort to bring the tournament to the states is part of World Rugby's plan to develop new audiences and encourage growth for the sport, which the organization said is the world's third-largest sporting event.

Joining Minneapolis in the applicant phase are Arizona, Atlanta, Baltimore, Birmingham, Boston, Charlotte, Chicago, Cincinnati, Denver, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles Region, Miami, Nashville, New Orleans, New York/New Jersey, Orlando, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Salt Lake City, San Diego

See Full Page