Jon Schmieder, Executive Director of the Metro Denver Sports Commission, recognized the impact of advancing to the final stage. “When you get this far, on an event of this scope, of course there is disappointment. However, by looking our competition you can easily see that Denver has elevated to a new level in terms of our international sports presence. To be considered with such amazing cities in this process was an honor. Moving forward, we will continue to bid on and host premier international and domestic events. We hope to again be considered for the World Cup Sevens in future years.”

USA Rugby will also look forward despite not being selected to host this international competition. Nigel Melville, CEO and President of Rugby Operations for USA Rugby, was not discouraged. “The endeavor was an achievement for our organization, even while not winning. The lessons learned along the way will prove invaluable for our organization as we continue to grow and develop the game throughout the US.”

The Denver proposal planned for matches to be held at INVESCO Field at Mile High and a new rugby-specific complex under construction in Glendale, Colorado.