USA Rugby considers World Cup fan experience for 2031

As the United States prepares to host the Rugby World Cup in 2031, key figures within USA Rugby are studying other major sporting events for best practices. Learning from the FIFA World Cup is a particular point of focus, with attention turning to cultivating fan culture and optimizing television production.

A former USA Rugby Eagle, now involved in sports broadcasting, has been considering lessons rugby can learn from the recent FIFA World Cup in preparation for the 2031 tournament. Their observations highlight the importance of spectacle and engagement in similar global competitions.

Will Hooley
@will_hooley

As a former @USARugby Eagle and now working in sports broadcasting, I watched this FIFA World Cup wondering one thing:

What can rugby learn before 2031? 🏉🇺🇸
From fan culture to TV production, there are lessons everywhere. ✍️ My latest thoughts ⬇️

Jul 21, 2026View on X

Building a Distinct Fan Culture

The 2031 Rugby World Cup represents a significant opportunity for rugby to broaden its appeal in the United States. Observers suggest that creating a vibrant, distinct fan culture will be paramount to the tournament's success, drawing on aspects that resonated in the FIFA World Cup.

Developing an atmosphere that resonates with both existing rugby enthusiasts and new audiences is a critical challenge. This involves considering how fans interact with the sport, both inside and outside stadiums, to build lasting engagement, similar to the broader appeal seen in FIFA World Cup events.

Television Production Standards

Beyond the live experience, the quality of television production is identified as a critical element. A high standard of broadcast coverage is essential for capturing the attention of a wide American audience and presenting rugby in a compelling way.

The analysis suggests that the technical and creative aspects of broadcast — from camera angles to commentary — can significantly influence viewer perception and retention. This directly impacts how effectively the sport can grow its viewership leading up to and during 2031, influencing wider world rugby coverage.

Focusing on what makes other major sporting events successful in a broadcast context, especially those with large American audiences, provides a roadmap for the 2031 Rugby World Cup organizers. The aim is to ensure the presentation of rugby matches is both comprehensive and captivating.

Strategic Preparation for 2031

These considerations form part of a broader strategy for USA Rugby to maximize the impact of hosting the World Cup. The period leading up to 2031 is viewed as an opportunity to implement best practices gleaned from other major international sports events.

Integrating insights from events like the FIFA World Cup allows organizers to approach the 2031 Rugby World Cup with a clear vision for fan experience and media presentation. The goal is to deliver a tournament that not only showcases top-tier rugby but also leaves a lasting legacy for the sport in the United States.