Saudi Arabia has abandoned plans to bid for the 2035 Rugby World Cup as part of a broader shift in investment priorities led by its sovereign wealth fund, according to a report by The Guardian.
According to The Guardian, the kingdom did not submit an expression of interest to World Rugby and is not expected to enter the bidding race before the process closes in October, despite earlier signals of interest.
Saudi Sports Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki al-Faisal had previously confirmed the country’s intention to explore a bid, while discussions had also emerged around a potential joint Middle East candidacy involving Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates.
However, The Guardian added that such a regional bid has not materialized, with no indication that Gulf countries will reverse course before the final deadline in 2026.
The decision is understood to be linked to a new financial approach adopted by the Public Investment Fund (PIF), which is entering what it describes as a “value realization” phase under Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 strategy.
In this context, the fund is shifting focus toward investments that generate measurable returns, scaling back on costly international sports ventures.
The Guardian reported that one of the most notable impacts of this shift will be on the LIV Golf circuit, which is expected to lose PIF funding starting next year, potentially forcing teams to seek private investment to sustain the competition.
While Saudi Arabia is not withdrawing from sports investment altogether, the fund is expected to prioritize domestic projects, including infrastructure linked to the 2034 FIFA World Cup and a new Formula One circuit near Riyadh.
The Guardian further noted that the decision to drop the Rugby World Cup bid was taken before the recent escalation involving Iran, although regional instability could add further pressure on spending priorities.
PIF governor Yasir al-Rumayyan confirmed in remarks to Al Arabiya that investment decisions remain under continuous review, describing the current environment as “dynamic” and subject to change depending on evolving conditions.
Meanwhile, Qatar appears to be advancing its position in global rugby, having secured a deal to host the final series of the Nations Championship in 2028, while also focusing on a potential bid for the 2036 Olympic Games.
According to The Guardian, the international bidding process for the 2035 Rugby World Cup remains open, with countries such as Argentina, Japan, and Spain already expressing initial interest, ahead of a final decision expected in 2027.
