Proudly SA team bid for World Cup
Hosting rugby in 2023 would be a ‘triple-win’
TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 26 2017
ASOUTH African Rugby World Cup in 2023 would be an unbeatable triple-win, the World Rugby Council was told in London yesterday when SA Rugby made its case to host the 10th Rugby World Cup tournament.
A South African Rugby World Cup would be a win for the sport, a win for supporters and, most importantly, a win for the players, delegates were told in a presentation led by Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa, and including Sport and Recreation Minister Thulas Nxesi.
“South Africa ticks every single box of the financial, commercial and logistical requirements of the host, but we go way beyond the minimum requirements to set us apart as a candidate,” said SA Rugby chief executive Jurie Roux.
“We were asked to provide a minimum guarantee of £120 million; but, with unqualified support from our government, we are offering an extra £40m.
“We were asked to provide eight venues, the smallest of which must have a minimum capacity of 15 000, but we offer eight venues – with the smallest having a fully seated capacity of 43 500. And we will host the largest-ever Rugby World Cup final with 87 436 fans at the National Stadium in Johannesburg,” he said.
“But, most importantly,” said Roux, “this will be the most player-centric tournament.”
Thirdly, the travelling fans would enjoy unique experiences as well as the benefit of a favourable exchange rate.
“Iconic venues in iconic locations – whether it be on the fringes of the Kruger National Park, in the vibrant heart of the country in Gauteng, or in the Mother City of Cape Town – South Africa will offer visitors an unrivalled experience in a country that will guarantee a tournament like no other,” said Roux.
Ramaphosa told the World Rugby Council: “In 1995, the Rugby World Cup cemented the bonds between our diverse people. In 2023, we hope to use the Rugby World Cup to inspire and unite not only South Africans, but the global community of nations. In a world facing the threat of polarisation, intolerance and indifference, South Africa is best poised to demonstrate that rugby can break barriers, create hope and unite humanity.”
SA is bidding against Ireland and France for the rights to host the tournament. Rugby World Cup Ltd will announce their preferred candidate on October 31. That will be put to a vote of the World Rugby Council on November 15. – Staff Reporter