Rugby Union News: Qatar Bids to Host Nations Championship Finals
Published: 29 April 2024 | Updated: 29 April 2024
In a surprising move, Qatar has submitted a bid to host the finals of the new Nations Championship from 2026. The Qatari proposal envisions a three-day “Superbowl of rugby” festival, featuring six playoff matches between the Six Nations and southern hemisphere sides every two years.
Qatar’s tender promises commercial returns of up to £800 million over eight years to the Six Nations and Southern Hemisphere unions. The offer includes exclusive negotiations over a two-month period, with the top-ranked European team facing the leading southern hemisphere side in a grand final to determine the overall Championship winners.
The proposal is centered around Lusail Stadium, the venue for the 2022 football World Cup final, as well as Qatar’s status as a neutral location accessible to both European and Southern Hemisphere teams. With winter temperatures in the low 20s Celsius, the Gulf state is touting excellent playing conditions for rugby.
“While the Nations Championship was unveiled by World Rugby last year, the final decision on Qatar’s offer will be made by the 10 stakeholder unions, including the Six Nations and the southern hemisphere teams. The initial pitch has been well-received, with further discussions planned for later this week.”
Qatar’s bid is part of the country’s efforts to build on hosting the 2022 World Cup by securing more major international sporting events. The upcoming World Aquatics Championships and 2027 Basketball World Cup, as well as a potential 2036 Olympic bid, demonstrate Qatar’s ambitions to establish itself as a global sporting destination.
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