Five nations are in the running to host the Rugby league World Cup in 2030 including a handful of surprise contenders.
These include Kenya, who are eager to make their mark in the sport. Read on as we analyse the five contenders vying for hosting rights.
New Zealand
After previously co-hosting the tournament with Australia in 2017, New Zealand is attempting to stage the showpiece event as a standalone entity.
The 2008 world champions have traditionally lived in the shadow of neighbouring Australia in rugby league and are keen to change the landscape.
Hosting the tournament would be a huge boost to the New Zealand economy and would spark sizeable interest in the online gambling industry.
Kiwi punters would flock to the best betting sites in NZ to place their wagers on several markets, from outright winners to player props.
New Zealand would be one of the bookmakers’ favourites to win the tournament on home soil and it would be no surprise if they are chosen as hosts.
The Chief Executive Officer of New Zealand Rugby League, Greg Peters, said: “Rugby League is experiencing significant growth in New Zealand, with passionate fans and increasing participation levels across the country testament to that.”
“Bringing a major rugby league event in the 2030 Men’s Rugby League World Cup, the pinnacle of our sport, to New Zealand presents New Zealand Rugby League with an opportunity to not only capitalise on that growth but help to further embed rugby league into the fabric of our communities, inspiring those to come.
Papua New Guinea
Rugby is the national sport of Papua New Guinea (PNG) and its 10.14 million indigenes.
The Oceania nation has put itself in the running for hosting rights and is eager to showcase its passion for the game.
PNG is no stranger to hosting international sports tournaments, having organised the 2015 Pacific Games, the 2016 FIFA U21 Women’s World Cup and the 2023 Pacific Championships.
Port Moresby, the capital of PNG, boasts some of the best facilities for sporting events and will play a crucial role.
PNG hosts several rugby league tournaments throughout the year and will grab the chance to deliver an electric atmosphere on a larger stage.
South Africa
South Africa is putting together a strong bid to bring the World Cup to the African continent. The nation has plenty of experience hosting major tournaments.
They hosted the 2010 FIFA World Cup and delivered an unforgettable showpiece that lives long in fan memories.
South Africa had presented a bid to host the Men’s Rugby League World Cup in 2017 but missed out to Australia. They are hoping to execute a successful proposal for the 2030 edition.
They have also submitted a bid for the 2028 IRL Women’s Rugby League World Cup as part of plans to elevate rugby league across Africa.
Kenya
Despite being a relatively new player in the rugby league scene, Kenya wants to host the 2030 World Cup.
Like South Africa, Kenya has also launched an ambitious bid to host the 2028 Women’s Rugby League World Cup.
The Eastern African nation is passionate about the sport and wants to put its love for the game on display in 2030.
Chairman of Kenya’s rugby league bid committee, Henry Sisye, said, “At times, we have to believe in the dream even when others find it a gargantuan task.
“Kenya 2030 would change the perception of the world about rugby league. We believe that we can deliver on such a promise.”
United States
The United States was awarded the 2025 tournament before financial issues forced the authorities to reallocate.
Rugby has been garnering fans in America after Australia’s National Rugby League staged matches in La Vegas.
This US bid is a massive opportunity for rugby’s expansion, with America being the world’s biggest sports market.
After submitting the bid, US Rugby League chair Matt Goschnick announced that the primary target would be to boost the sport’s visibility in North America.
