WASHINGTON D.C. – Today, Congressional Rugby Caucus Co-Chair Congressman Alex X. Mooney (R-WV) and Co-Chair Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) introduced H. Con. Res. 77, a bipartisan concurrent resolution to recognize and support the efforts of USA Rugby and its partners to bring the upcoming Men’s and Women’s Rugby World Cup tournaments to the United States. Rugby is one of the fastest growing sports in the United States, with more than 100,000 USA Rugby members playing in over 2,500 clubs nationwide. The United States possesses all necessary state-of the-art infrastructure in its stadiums and potential host cities to ensure that the tournaments set a new standard of quality, comfort, security and safety for players, fans and sponsors.
Co-Chairs Mooney and Holmes Norton are joined in this effort by original co-sponsors Rep. Richard Hudson (R-NC), Rep. Sean Casten (D-IL), and Rep. Paul Gosar (R-AZ).
Co-Chair Congressman Alex X. Mooney (R-WV): As a former college rugby player at Dartmouth College, I continue to enjoy watching the sport as a member of the United States Congress. As Co-Chair of the Congressional Rugby Caucus, I am proud to be an advocate for the Rugby World Cup. With my Co-Chair Eleanor Holmes Norton, we have introduced a bipartisan concurrent resolution to recognize and support the efforts of USA Rugby and its partners to bring upcoming Men’s and Women’s Rugby World Cup tournaments to the United States. I look forward to advocating for America as a host site as we move forward with this important bid.
Co-Chair Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC): “Rugby has made a difference to the youth of the District of Columbia and across the country in terms of health, self-esteem, teamwork and social skills. I am proud to support the U.S. bids to host the Men’s and Women’s Rugby World Cup tournaments.”
Congressional Rugby Caucus Member Rep. Richard Hudson (R-NC): “As a former rugby player and proud member of the Rugby Caucus in Congress, I join my colleagues in supporting USA Rugby’s efforts to bring Men’s and Women’s Rugby World Cup tournaments to the United States. Through these tournaments, we can grow the game of rugby and once again showcase our nation on the international stage.”
Congressional Rugby Caucus Member Sean Casten (D-IL): “I’m proud to support efforts for the United States to host the Rugby World Cup tournaments. I played rugby all through college and grad school and look back fondly on the experience and lessons learned on the field. Rugby brings people together and teaches young people the valuable practice of teamwork.”
Congressional Rugby Caucus Member Paul Gosar (R-AZ): “As a former college rugby player, I whole-heartedly endorse this invitation to host the Rugby World Cup. We did not invent rugby, but we have great players and Americans would love to see them play on their home turf.”
Jim Brown, USA Rugby World Cup Bid Chair: “USA Rugby and the USA Rugby World Cup Bid Committee are grateful for the Congressional Rugby Caucus’ efforts to spearhead U.S. government support as we work together to bring Men’s and Women’s Rugby World Cup tournaments to our country. Today’s resolution demonstrates a clear commitment to growing the game of rugby and advancing the United States’ Rugby World Cup bid – which will have important economic and cultural benefits at both the domestic and international level. Thank you to all members of the Congressional Rugby Caucus for your ongoing efforts toward bringing the experience of a Rugby World Cup to our American sports community.”
Background: October 20, 2021, USA Rugby, the national governing body for the sport in the United States, and partner organizations publicly launched the United States bid to host the Men’s Rugby World Cup in 2027 or 2031, and the Women’s Rugby World Cup in 2029. 28 American cities are working with USA Rugby to plan for hosting upcoming Men’s and Women’s Rugby World Cup matches, with each of these cities embodying the diversity and enthusiasm of the world’s leading sports market and guaranteeing each participating team and its followers an exciting and welcoming atmosphere.
Men’s and Women’s Rugby World Cup tournaments in the United States brings with it the prospect of record-setting attendance and financial performance. Recent Rugby World Cup events have brought in more than 242,000 fans from around the world to host countries and more than 1,700,000 spectators to stadiums, allowing revenues and tourism generated by the competition to be used for the further development of rugby and economic growth throughout our Nation.