Rugby League World Cup US plans could wreak havoc for rugby union in 2031

Rugby league plans to stage part of its 2030 World Cup in the United States, potentially putting the sport in the spotlight there before rugby union’s 2031 World Cup. The article argues that league’s existing US presence and simpler rules could make it more accessible to American audiences, challenging union to make its own tournament stand out.

The proposed format could bring two-day events with six matches at one venue to the US mainland, Pacific Islands and Hawaii. Rugby union has a broader established domestic game across several regions, and its Nations Championship matches currently receive extensive terrestrial coverage in Britain. The article says league remains a smaller commercial and broadcasting rival, but warns that union should pay attention to its planned head start in markets it hopes to reach.