Spanish Rugby President Juan Carlos ´Hansen´ has outlined his ambition for Spain to host the Rugby World Cup 2035 and to make it the greatest Rugby World Cup of all time.
“We are not just saying we want to organise a World Championship, what we are saying is that we want to organise the best ever (Rugby World Cup). With the best attendance, the best stadiums and the best experience that you would ever have.”
When asked what he feels Spain offers that is better than potential host nations of Argentina or Japan, Hansen was bullish in his approach and rather than looking at others, is only focussed on what Spain can deliver Rugby Union.
“We are ready (for the Rugby World Cup 2035), definitely” – Hansen
“Spain is hosting the Football World Cup, FIFA is requesting millions and all those stadiums will be up and running for the Rugby World Cup. We are going to have a country with the best communication in high speed train, surrounded by the Six Nation countries and at the end the stadiums are going to be the best in the world.”
Warming to his theme, Hansen also points out that Spain´s TV market is ready if Rugby Union wants it. “We are offering a 50 million virgin market of consumers for Rugby and we are in the European zone, where broadcasting rights are higher. I don´t see why Spain would have any ‘stopper’ in this case and not just Men, we can have the Women´s after that.”
Wrapping up , Hansen was clear “I don´t want to talk about the other countries, what I´m saying is Spain´s bid is going to be spectacular. I think World Rugby should think Spain would be the ideal place.”
Getting in (and staying in) RWC2027
On the pitch Spain are finally back at a Rugby World Cup after two off-field eliminations. On what happened before? “The problem wasn´t that people had been cheating. The problem was the lack of control and governence. If you don´t have controls, ‘shit happens’ no?
What we did is implement a control model with high level people linked to legal, security and police. We made audits , we reached agreements with the clubs, with everybody. We are not going to accept copies of the passport, we are not going to accept this. Is there risk? Always. But at the moment we are putting the maximum level of control.”
“What I would expect from my team is to be proud of them”
The aim for Spain is to make it out of the group stages at the next World Cup. “Obviously our objective is to get to the first cut but we are going to have the best preparation we´ve ever had. For me, the most important thing is not the result but what happens after.”
Images used with permission of the Spanish Rugby Federation
You can listen to the whole interview now below.
