• Loading stock data...
Tuesday, May 13, 2025
Join us May 14 at 1 p.m. ET for Future of Sports: Leagues of Their Own Register Now

France Rescinds 2025 Rugby World Cup Bid Amid Turmoil

  • The French government has rescinded its decision to host the Rugby League World Cup in 2025.
  • he country cited financial reasons for the decision, saying that France couldn’t guarantee it would be able to make money by hosting the event.
Rugby World Cup

Earlier this week, the French government announced that it has rescinded its decision to host the 2025 Rugby League World Cup.

The country cited financial reasons for the decision, saying it couldn’t guarantee it would make money by hosting the event. 

France won a bid for the 2025 tournament in January 2022 and has spent the last year-and-a-half preparing. Officials needed an extra three months to determine ways to make the event financially viable, but ultimately couldn’t.

“I respect the French government’s decision amid the challenges they are facing, but I can’t hide my disappointment — that I conveyed clearly to them in person,” International Rugby League chair Troy Grant said in a statement.

The nation is currently embroiled in major political turmoil, as massive demonstrations have broken out across the country against the raising of the country’s retirement age and to voice general displeasure with president Emmanuel Macron.

Future Bidders

Australia and New Zealand have both expressed interest in the difficult task of staging the 2025 Rugby League World Cup — but they’ll have about 18 months fewer to prepare than they normally would.

The countries did co-host the 2017 World Cup — and given the existing popularity of rugby in the two countries, the turnaround could be possible.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Fox Takes Small Step Into Streaming Arena Without Joining Wars

The network’s subscription-based streaming service now has a name.
May 12, 2024; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Rory McIlroy acknowledges the gallery after his final putt and win during the final round of the Wells Fargo Championship golf tournament.

McIlroy Eyes 5th Win at Quail Hollow With $9.6M Already Earned There

McIlroy’s won nearly $10 million at the site of this week’s major.

McLaren’s F1 Powerhouse Can Only Compete With Itself

Max Verstappen acknowledged that McLaren is the team to beat.

Cooper Flagg Could Deliver NBA’s Next Ratings Surge to Lottery Winner

Flagg could have a similar effect as Victor Wembanyama.

Featured Today

Apr 18, 2024; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Stanford Cardinal vs Grand Canyon University Antelopes during the MPSF Men's Volleyball Championship at Galen Center.
May 10, 2025

‘What Just Happened’: Inside the Abrupt End of Grand Canyon Men’s Volleyball

Inside Grand Canyon’s shocking decision to cut men’s volleyball.
Mar 26, 2025; New York, New York, USA; Actor and filmmaker Spike Lee (l) greets former professional boxer Floyd Mayweather Jr. during the game between the LA Clippers and the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden.
May 9, 2025

‘Friends of the Garden’: Inside the NBA’s Most Exclusive Celebrity Suite

“Among the titans of industry, deals are done at Suite 200.”
exclusive
May 9, 2025

Shams Charania on Draft, Breaking Dončić Trade, ‘Whirlwind’ ESPN Tenure

Charania will work on his first NBA draft lottery for ESPN on Monday.

NFL’s World Takeover: League Unveils 7 Matchups Across 5 Countries in 2025

The NFL’s 2025 global games will span five countries across two continents.
Paris Saint-Germain may get a new ownership group.
May 12, 2025

French Soccer Federation Proposes Own ‘Version of the Premier League’ 

The proposed structure would end Ligue 1 for a club-owned structure.
May 12, 2025

Unlikely Lottery Luck Could Change Mavericks Franchise for Decades

The Mavericks have been awarded the No. 1 pick in the 2025 draft.
Sponsored

Fighting for Clarity: Inside UFC’s New Partnership With Total Wireless

UFC teams with Total Wireless in a no-frills partnership built for today’s mobile-first, value-driven fanbase.
May 12, 2025

PGA Championship Week Begins With Complete Washout, No Fans on Day 1

No spectators were allowed at Quail Hollow Club for Monday’s practice round.
Women's world cup
May 9, 2025

Women’s World Cup Officially Expands to 48 Teams for 2031

The 2028 tournament will still have 32 teams.
May 9, 2025

NFL Nears Deal for YouTube Game That Could Break Streaming Records

YouTube closing in on a deal to show a game from Brazil.
May 9, 2025

Roku’s $10M MLB Deal Resumes Despite ESPN Drama

Early Sunday games begin with a high-profile Cubs-Mets matchup.