SA delegates play to win at RWC bid
SOUTH AFRICA’S Rugby World Cup 2023 bid delegation promised World Rugby a tournament that would be the most player-centric to date and one that would enhance the sport’s global profile.
It also promised to be the most profitable in RWC tournament history.
Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa, in addressing the World Rugby Council in London, reaffirmed his government’s commitment to making the tournament a spectacular success. He emphasised the government’s commitment was borne out in a financial tournament guarantee of £160 million, which was £40m in excess of the required £120m.
Ramaphosa spoke of the power of rugby to unite peoples.
“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.”
Sports Minister Thulas Nxesi said: “South Africa’s bid is simple. We promise a tournament that delivers on every single bid requirement.
“We don’t need to build new stadia or upgrade old ones; we don’t need to find hotel rooms and you don’t need to worry about the guarantees. We don’t need to pass new legislation. Every last detail of the required specification is already in place.”
South Africa’s bid delegation detailed how hosting the Rugby World Cup in South Africa in 2023 would be the most profitable to World Rugby since the inaugural tournament in New Zealand in 1987.
South Africa, as a country would also prosper commercially, financially and in terms of job creation.
South Africa 2023 would have a R27 billion direct, indirect and induced economic impact on South Africa; R5.7bn would flow to lowincome households; 38 600 temporary or permanent jobs would be sustained and there would be an estimated R1.4bn tax benefit to the government.