The World Rugby governing body has appointed Megan Rose as managing director of the 2031 men’s Rugby World Cup as preparations ramp up for the first-ever edition in the US.
In the role, she will lead delivery planning for what is described as the “biggest and most ambitious” Rugby World Cup.
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A former professional tennis player, Rose is an experienced major event executive in US sport, with a track record of delivering high-profile global competitions.
During a stint at the United States Tennis Association (USTA), Rose led major events including the US Open Series, Davis Cup and Billie Jean King Cup, and served as team leader for Team USA Olympic Tennis at Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024.
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 the 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. I look forward to working closely with USA Rugby, and the clubs, players, supporters, and stakeholders who have built rugby across the United States, alongside the global rugby community, to deliver an incredible Rugby World Cup and build something that lasts well beyond 2031.”
The appointment comes as momentum continues to build behind the USA hosting programme, with 25 cities currently progressing through the Rugby World Cup 2031 applicant phase.
The US will also stage the 2033 Women’s Rugby World Cup. World Rugby stated that holding its flagship events in the market is central to the organization’s “strategic ambition to grow participation, audiences, and commercial revenues by unlocking rugby’s full potential in sport’s biggest global market.”
Alan Gilpin, World Rugby chief executive, added: "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.
“Her experience, vision, and deep understanding of the U.S. sports landscape make her ideally placed to deliver a defining chapter for rugby in the United States and around the world.”
Meanwhile, World Rugby is continuing to build out the commercial program for the 2027 men’s Rugby World Cup and the next women’s edition in 2029, with supermarket retailer Woolworths brought in as the latest partner.
Woolworths will serve as the official supermarket supporter of the tournaments, both taking place in Australia.
The agreement grants the company integrated commercial rights across both marquee tournaments, with the store to roll out fan-focused activations, promotions, and community health initiatives.
The partnership also incorporates Woolworths Group’s retail media business, Cartology, enabling supplier brands and FMCG advertisers to run targeted retail media campaigns across digital, in-store, and point-of-sale channels throughout the tournament cycles.
The deal expands Woolworths’ sports sponsorship portfolio, which includes tie-ups with Cricket Australia, Netball Australia, Netball New Zealand, the Australian Olympic Committee, and Paralympics Australia.
Last month, credit card giant Visa was unveiled as a commercial partner of the 2027 and 2029 World Cups, while soft drinks giant Coca-Cola was also recently signed up for the upcoming men's event.
The sponsorship portfolio for the 2027 men’s tournament also includes top-tier principal partners Emirates Airlines and Japanese beverage company Asahi, as well as Dove Men+Care, Gilbert, Macron, LipovitanD, Mitsubishi Estate, Meiji, Fanatics, Ticketmaster, and ChildFund Rugby, who all serve as third-tier suppliers and supporters.
The tournament, which features an expanded 24-team, 52-match format across six weeks in seven Australian host cities, will take place next year between October 1 and November 13.
