SA Rugby made its case to host the 2023 World Cup tournament to the World Rugby Council in London on Monday.
A South African 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 50-minute presentation led by the deputy president of South Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa.
‘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 CEO Jurie Roux.
‘We were asked to provide a minimum guarantee of £120-million [R2.1-billion] but with unqualified support from our government we are offering an extra £40-million.
‘We were asked to provide eight venues, the smallest of which must have a minimum capacity of 15,000, but we offer eight venues – purpose built for rugby and requiring no upgrading – with the smallest one offering 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.
‘Our stadia allow us to place more tickets on sale than ever before; a South African Rugby World Cup would make available 2.9-million seats – 400,000 more than the highly successful England 2015 tournament.
‘But, most importantly,’ said Roux, ‘this will be the most player-centric tournament ever; it will be unprecedented in comfort, convenience and support.
‘Player performance will be optimal, given the ideal playing conditions, world-class match venues and training facilities and a match schedule with low travel impact – 85% of pool matches will be played in a team’s home base; the longest trip to a training venue will be 17 minutes.’
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.
‘Visitors can enjoy breakfast with great white sharks; have lunch in the vineyards and take dinner on a game drive – all in the same day.’
OPINION: 2023 can be catalyst for change
Ramaphosa spoke to the World Rugby Council of the power of rugby to unite people.
‘In 1995, the Rugby World Cup cemented the bonds between our diverse people,’ he said. ‘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.
‘The people and government of South Africa are therefore wholeheartedly behind SA Rugby’s bid. We have proven we can deliver.’
South Africa is bidding against Ireland and France for the rights to host the tournament. Rugby World Cup Ltd will announce its preferred candidate on 31 October. That recommendation will be put to a vote of the World Rugby Council on 15 November.
