Former US Tennis Association Exec Now Managing Director of RWC 2031

10.22.2026Int'l News

Megan Rose. Photo Julio Aguilar.

Author: GRR Staff

World Rugby has appointed Megan Rose as Managing Director of Men’s Rugby World Cup 2031.

Rose has a background in overseeing international events with the United States Tennis Association (USTA). During her tenure she led major events including the US Open Series, Davis Cup, and Billie Jean King Cup. She also served as Team Leader for Team USA Olympic Tennis at Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024, and pioneered the integration of professional wheelchair tennis into able-bodied operations.

Most recently, she helped build and launch USTA Coaching, a new national coaching organisation for the U.S Tennis industry., a landmark leadership appointment as preparations gather pace to deliver an iconic event in the U.S, powering rugby’s domestic and global impact.

The former tennis pro and former tennis coach at Princeton will be in charge of planning and delivering the Rugby World Cup in 2031 as 25 cities are currently in the process of applying to be host cities.

Her experience with running events and also working with major sponsors will be an asset to the RWC planning.

"Rugby World Cup is one of the iconic events in global sport, defined by unforgettable moments on the pitch and the passion of fans around the world.," said Rose in a statement. "To be entrusted with bringing Men’s Rugby World Cup to the United States for the first time is an extraordinary honour, and I’m thrilled to join this team.

"This tournament represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to bring millions more Americans into the game and create a lasting impact for rugby in this country. I look forward to working closely with USA Rugby, and the clubs, players, supporters, and stakeholders who have built rugby across the United States, alongside the global rugby community, to deliver an incredible Rugby World Cup and build something that lasts well beyond 2031."

World Rugby Chief Executive Alan Gilpin added: "The USA represents one of the most exciting growth opportunities in global sport, and Rugby World Cups 2031 and 2033 have the potential to transform rugby’s profile and reach on an unprecedented scale.

"Megan is an outstanding leader with a proven track record of delivering world-class sporting events and driving innovation. She joins us at a pivotal moment as our U.S. project enters its next phase – an appointment that reflects the scale of our ambition. Her experience, vision and deep understanding of the U.S. sports landscape make her ideally placed to deliver a defining chapter for rugby in the United States and around the world."

Right now the application process is key—cities are bidding to host not only through their venues, but their infrastructure and hospitality infrastructure, and also availability of practice facilities for teams.