Megan Rose, a former professional tennis player and United States Tennis Association (USTA) executive, has been appointed as the managing director of the 2031 Men's Rugby World Cup. This significant role marks the first time the tournament will be hosted on American soil, a milestone for rugby in the United States.

In her statement, Rose expressed her excitement:

Rugby World Cup is one of the iconic events in global sport... to be entrusted with bringing Men’s Rugby World Cup to the United States for the first time is an extraordinary honour.

Rose has a distinguished background in sports, having been a five-time collegiate All American at the University of Miami and a national indoor champion. Following her time on the WTA Tour, she coached Princeton to an Ivy League women’s tennis championship and held key roles at the WTA and USTA.

The Rugby World Cup is ranked as one of the largest global sporting events, following the FIFA World Cup and the Olympic Games. The next two tournaments will be hosted in Australia (men in 2027 and women in 2029), leading up to the U.S. hosting the men's tournament in 2031 and the women’s in 2033.

Recent events, such as the record-setting attendance of over 68,000 fans at the South Africa vs. New Zealand match in Baltimore, demonstrate a growing interest in rugby in the U.S. Upcoming matches in Nashville and New Jersey further indicate the sport's expanding footprint.

Rose emphasized the 2031 World Cup as a "once-in-a-generation opportunity" to engage millions of Americans with rugby. Alan Gilpin, World Rugby's chief executive, praised Rose's leadership skills, stating she is well-positioned to navigate this pivotal moment in U.S. rugby history.

Despite skepticism regarding the U.S. rugby scene, particularly around the sustainability of leagues like Major League Rugby and Women’s Elite Rugby, there is optimism about the potential impact of the World Cup on the sport in America. World Rugby noted the increasing fan engagement and the involvement of 25 cities in the applicant process, suggesting a promising future for rugby's growth in the U.S.