World Rugby Appoints Megan Rose as Managing Director for Men’s Rugby World Cup 2031 in the United States

World Rugby has appointed sports event executive and former professional tennis player Megan Rose as Managing Director of Men’s Rugby World Cup 2031.

The appointment represents a primary operational milestone as governance structures expand ahead of the first Rugby World Cup hosted in North America, which will be followed by the Women’s Rugby World Cup in 2033.

Rose transitions to World Rugby from the United States Tennis Association (USTA), where she directed major properties including the US Open Series, Davis Cup, and Billie Jean King Cup, while serving as Team Leader for Team USA Olympic Tennis at Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024. Her background includes integrating professional wheelchair operations into grand slam environments and launching USTA Coaching.

Highligting the opportunity to build a permanent domestic commercial foundation for rugby union across the American sporting landscape, sports event executive, Rose, said: “Rugby World Cup is one of the iconic events in global sport, defined by unforgettable moments on the pitch and the passion of fans around the world.”

“To be entrusted with bringing Men’s Rugby World Cup to the United States for the first time is an extraordinary honour, and I’m thrilled to join this team.

“This tournament represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to bring millions more Americans into the game and create a lasting impact for rugby in this country,” Rose said. 

Sharing the importance of the U.S. market in expanding global broadcast, sponsorship, and participation revenues with Rose’s appointment, World Rugby CEO, Alan Gilpin, noted: “The USA represents one of the most exciting growth opportunities in global sport, and Rugby World Cups 2031 and 2033 have the potential to transform rugby’s profile and reach on an unprecedented scale.”

“Megan is an outstanding leader with a proven track record of delivering world-class sporting events and driving innovation. She joins us at a pivotal moment as our U.S. project enters its next phase – an appointment that reflects the scale of our ambition,” Gilpin said. 

Commercial Momentum and Host City Selection Framework

The appointment coincides with accelerating commercial and operational planning across the United States:

• Host City Selection: Twenty-five American candidate cities are currently advancing through the Rugby World Cup 2031 applicant phase.
• Domestic Spectator Metrics: U.S. venue attendances for international test matches continue to climb, highlighted by a record 68,000 spectators attending the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry fixture between South Africa and New Zealand in Baltimore.

Rose will work directly alongside USA Rugby, regional unions, municipal stakeholders, and commercial broadcasters to deliver the tournament and establish a long-term commercial legacy.

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