San Diego vying to host 2031 Rugby World Cup

Driving the news: World Rugby, the sport's international governing body, announced Friday it's considering 27 markets to host the men's World Cup.

• That includes San Diego, the Los Angeles region and the Bay Area.

Zoom in: San Diego has a built-in fan base with a rugby legacy that goes back decades and one of Major League Rugby's founding clubs.

• Snapdragon Stadium hosted major international and Major League Rugby (MLR) matches that drew record crowds last year.
• The San Diego Legion recently merged with Los Angeles to become the California Legion, which will play at venues in San Diego, LA and Orange County starting next season.
• The U.S. national rugby teams also train in Chula Vista.

What they're saying: Being a potential host city "reflects the momentum our region has built around the sport and the world-class experience we can deliver," Sports San Diego CEO Mark Neville said in a statement.

• The local nonprofit is part of the group working on the city's bid.

The big picture: Alan Gilpin, World Rugby's chief executive, said the 2031 tournament stands to "cement the U.S.'s status as a major player in global rugby."

• World Rugby officials say the application process is part of its U.S. growth plan, where it hopes to build audiences in "key rugby hubs."

Between the lines: While interest is rising, rugby remains niche in the U.S. compared to Major League baseball, football, basketball and soccer.

• The league is still trying to find its footing, as teams are leaving and being added.