Qatar, along with New Zealand, South Africa, and Fiji, has emerged as a potential host for the upcoming Rugby League World Cup in 2025. This development comes after France withdrew as the host due to financial concerns, prompting the International Rugby League board to convene an emergency meeting to explore alternative options.
The organising committee announced that France failed to meet the government financial criteria, putting the tournament at risk of a deficit. While the final decision is expected in July, Qatar, known for successfully hosting the men football World Cup last year, has positioned itself as one of the leading contenders.
However, the International Rugby League chair, Troy Grant, emphasized that all options are being considered. This includes the possibility of postponing the event to 2026 or even canceling the tournament and focusing on the 2029 edition. Grant stated that thorough evaluation and due diligence will be conducted for each expression of interest received.
Qatar interest in hosting major sporting events has grown significantly in recent years, highlighted by its successful FIFA World Cup hosting and the reported augmented offer to acquire Manchester United by Qatari billionaire Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al-Thani. The Gulf nation already holds shares in Paris Saint-Germain and is set to host the under-19s Asian Cup next year and the 2030 Asian Games.
While Qatar interest in sports continues to expand, hosting the Rugby League World Cup in the Middle East would be a notable development. However, Grant cautioned that the high temperatures in the region during the proposed tournament period could pose challenges and impact the decision-making process.
The previous Rugby League World Cup held in England last year featured men, women, and wheelchair tournaments simultaneously, receiving widespread acclaim. France had planned to incorporate a youth tournament as well, but replicating this multi-tournament format in 2025 might be challenging given the tight timescales.
Grant acknowledged the uniqueness and appeal of running three World Cups concurrently but stressed the need for pragmatic decision-making moving forward. While abandoning the multi-tournament format would be disappointing, it crucial to consider the practical aspects of organizing the event.