The South African government would support a bid to host the 2035 Rugby World Cup if corporate stakeholders came on board to make it financially viable.
The country has not hosted the global showpiece since 1995, with failed bids from SA Cup for the 2011, 2015, 2019 and 2023 tournaments.
The 2027 and 2031 World Cups will be hosted by Australia and the USA respectively.
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.
Last week, a prominent rugby boss told Rapport: “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.”
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.
However, 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.”
