Wales and the rest of the rugby world could be heading for the desert in 10 years’ time after Saudi Arabia signaled an ambition to stage the 2035 Rugby World Cup.
The kingdom's sports minister, Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal, has confirmed that the country is open to exploring a bid for the tournament.
The Gulf nation is reportedly considering a joint bid alongside the United Arab Emirates and Qatar.
Speaking during the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, Al-Faisal acknowledged rugby’s growing profile and expressed hopes for its future development within the country.
"We're interested in rugby; we're interested in developing the sport locally. So, we created the federation and so on to see what we can do to develop the sport," he told reporters.
"I don't think we're on the level of hosting yet, but the '35 World Cup is in 10 years, so maybe it grows in that direction, and we see a big interest in that, then why not?"
Although rugby is still in its infancy in the region compared to other sports, Saudi Arabia has recently increased its involvement in global sporting ventures, including high-profile events in football, boxing, golf, and Formula 1.
However, Al-Faisal clarified that the current goal is to boost domestic sporting opportunities rather than immediately seeking global dominance in rugby.
"I think our main intention is to develop sports within the kingdom," he said.
"And then today we have roughly 97 federations. We're not going to host everything with 97 federations, but why we have 97 federations is because we want to promote sports.
"Even the smallest sports that maybe a small number of people participate in Saudi or there isn't that big of an interest.
"At least someone can play that sport in the kingdom, and that's the idea of developing. I'm sure some will grow into bigger areas and develop into bigger participation and so on."
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With a decade to go before the 2035 Rugby World Cup, Saudi Arabia has time to grow its rugby infrastructure and community.
While a formal bid has yet to be launched, the kingdom’s long-term sporting vision could soon include rugby alongside its rapidly expanding portfolio of international events.
Closer to home, RGC fly-half Billy McBryde has become the first player to reach a double century of points in Super Rygbi Cymru after guiding RGC to an emphatic 59-38 victory against Aberavon in the final round of the league.
With nine tries, and two bonus points, RGC finished in 8th place to set up a home game against Carmarthen Quins this Saturday in the play-offs and with the former Wales U20 fly -half in situ, the Gogs will fancy their chances against a Quins side who haven’t always proved the most consistent side this season.
After the completion of 18 rounds, McBryde has amassed 207 points to become the first player to smash through the 200 mark.
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His haul of 24 points against the Wizards included two tries as the north Walians ran riot in the sun at Stadiwm CSM.
His nearest challenge is Pontypool’s Kieran Meek who has accumulated 195 points while Evan Lloyd is in third place with 165 points.
The forwards are showing the backs the way when it comes to scoring tries, with three of the top five try scorers heavily involved in the hard graft.
Ebbw Vale hooker Joe Franchi completed the initial phase of SRC top of the charts with 17 tries, just two ahead of nearest challenge Lewis Morgan who has been in sparkling form for Carmarthen Quins in the middle of the front row.
Newport talisman Ben Roach has been making his mark in the back row, notching 11 tries to lie in fourth equal place alongside Cardiff winger Dewis Cross, with Aberavon youngster Cori Lewis-Jenkins just ahead of them in third place with 14 tries.
READ MORE: RGC Billy McBryde
