USA Rugby has withdrawn interest in hosting the 2023 15s Rugby World Cup.

World Rugby announced today that France, Italy, South Africa, and Ireland have all tendered hosting bids. 

“Although USA Rugby ultimately decided not to proceed with a formal bid, it was very encouraging that they originally had expressed an interest in hosting rugby’s flagship tournament. In the end, they decided to focus instead on other upcoming projects, not least the hosting of Rugby World Cup Sevens 2018, but they are an ambitious and progressive union and I have no doubt they will bid to host Rugby World Cup at some point in the future,” said World Rugby Chairman Bernard Lapasset.

USA Rugby CEO Nigel Melville told Goff Rugby Report the reasons for withdrawing were several. First off Melville believed that the 2023 tournament will go to a Tier I rugby country, especially since World Rugby is taking something of a risk in selecting Japan for 2019.

In addition, said Melville, the requirements of the tournament might not be within USA Rugby’s reach. World Rugby requires government backing, something USA Rugby can’t get, and 12 stadiums in ten cities. This would be tough to get that all squared away in the middle of football season.

But perhaps the biggest stumbling block is the monetary guarantee. The vast majority of World Rugby’s funding comes from the Men’s 15s Rugby World Cup every four years. The organization requires a minimum income guarantee - that number isn’t made public but it probably nine figures - or over $100 million. This guess is extrapolated in part by the average gross revenue of the last four tournaments has been over $300 million

Melville told Goff Rugby Report tat USA Rugby will be back for another shot, possible for 2027, but for now the organization is concentrating on the 2018 Rugby World Cup 7s in the Bay Area.