The South African (SA) government has come out in support of a potential bid to host the 2035 Rugby World Cup.

South Africa was the preferred candidate after bidding for the 2023 hosting rights, but when it came to voting, it bizarrely went the way to France.

The next two Rugby World Cups – in 2027 and 2031 – will take place in Australia and the United States of America respectively, meaning the nearest RWC spectacle up for grabs in terms of hosting is the one scheduled for 2035.

With unsuccessful hosting bids in 20211, 2015, 2019 and 2023, the only RWC ever hosted on South African soil remains the famous 1995 showpiece.

But it has now come to light, as per a report in Rapport, that South Africa will again throw its name in the hat to host the World Cup in 10 years’ time.

“I don’t think South Africa can compete financially to host the World Cup anymore. The World Cup is the only real revenue stream for World Rugby, so they will always go where the big money can be made,” a source told Rapport.

Rapport pointed out that for South Africa to host the World Cup again, the government would have to make a big financial commitment, which it is unlikely to do.

But, on Tuesday, Peace Mabe, deputy minister of sports, art and culture, told IOL that the government would support a viable bid.

“Rugby is big business,” she said. “The economic spin-offs in terms of tourism will be big. If [SA] Rugby says we are going to host in South Africa, it will fill up hotels with immediate effect, they would be booked. We would appreciate that type of initiative.

“But, we are the No 1 team in the world, so we also don’t want to be seen as bullies by taking the hosting away from the world. Let’s share with them.”

Spain is the early favourite to stage the 3035 event as World Rugby looks to bring it back to Europe, but three Middle Eastern nations – Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE – are also reportedly considering a joint bid.

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Src: TheSouthAfrican.com - https://rugga.co.za/springboks/sa-government-backs-bid-to-host-2035-rwc/