A leading rugby boss has brutally admitted that South Africa may never host another Rugby World Cup, despite the country’s legendary role in the tournament’s history.

And honestly, the numbers – and politics – just don’t lie.

South Africa last hosted the Rugby World Cup way back in 1995, and what a moment it was. Fresh out of apartheid, the tournament became a global symbol of unity and transformation.

Who can forget it? A packed Ellis Park, Nelson Mandela in that iconic Springbok jersey, and captain Francois Pienaarlifting the Webb Ellis Cup after a gripping 15–12 win over the All Blacks in extra time.

It wasn’t just a sporting event — it was a cultural milestone. The 1995 World Cup was the first ever held in Africa, featured 16 teams, and marked South Africa’s return to international sport after years in the wilderness.

So Close, Yet So Far – The Bids That Fell Apart

Since that magical tournament, South Africa has launched four failed bids to host the World Cup again — in 2011, 2015, 2019, and 2023.

The 2023 bid was especially controversial. The Rugby World Cup Limited board ranked South Africa’s proposal highest and recommended it to the World Rugby Council. But when the votes were counted, France was chosen — reportedly following heavy lobbying by the French bid committee.

Follow the Money – France, Australia, USA, Then Maybe Spain

World Rugby’s direction is clear: go where the money and expansion opportunities are. The next two tournaments are already locked in, with Australia hosting in 2027 and the USA set for 2031.

Looking beyond that, Spain are considered early favourites for 2035, while potential mega-rich joint bids could come from Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE.

South Africa? Not even in the conversation right now.

Hosting Costs Too Much – And There’s No Appetite for It

Speaking to Rapport, a high-level rugby official didn’t mince words:

“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.”

And the reality backs him up.

Hosting a Rugby World Cup would require more than R300 million in government support, plus millions more to upgrade stadium infrastructure. It’s money that simply isn’t available.

Reality Check – SA Rugby Has Bigger Priorities

With mounting financial pressures and more urgent needs across the rugby landscape, it’s becoming increasingly clear: South Africa won’t be hosting another World Cup anytime soon.

1995 remains a cherished memory — but that golden moment looks destined to remain a one-off.

Five Big Names Out of 2025 Lions Tour

The 2025 British & Irish Lions tour kicks off in Australia on July 19, with a three-Test series against the Wallabies. Andy Farrell’s squad will be without several big names due to injury, retirement, or club commitments.

1. Ollie Lawrence – Achilles injury ends Lions dream

England centre Ollie Lawrence was widely tipped to make Farrell’s Lions squad before suffering a devastating injury. The Bath star ruptured his left Achilles tendon just nine minutes into England’s 47-24 Six Nations win over Italy, ruling him out for up to a year.

A Premiership Player of the Season in 2023, Lawrence had become a key figure for Steve Borthwick’s England. His explosive running, defensive solidity, and hard-carrying ability made him a strong candidate for the tour. However, with the Lions series beginning in just over three months, his injury has ended any chance of selection.

Lawrence expressed his disappointment on social media: “Lost for words… That’s not how I imagined my season to end! The comeback is always greater than the setback.”

Surprise Fact: Lawrence was once in Aston Villa’s football academy before choosing rugby.

2. Stuart Hogg – Won’t be considered for selection

Despite making an impressive comeback with Montpellier in the Top 14 after reversing his retirement, off-field issues will rule him out of contention for selection by Lions head coach Andy Farrell, according to RUCK sources.

Surprise Fact: In a tweet, J. K. Rowling insinuated that Hogg was, in fact, a full-fledged Wizard

3. Dan Biggar – No third Lions tour

Welsh fly-half Dan Biggar ruled himself out of the 2025 Lions tour after retiring from international rugby in 2023. With 112 caps for Wales and two previous Lions tours (2017, 2021), he would have been a strong contender for Farrell’s squad. However, he’s enjoying his time in France with Toulon and has no plans to return.

Speaking to TalkSport, Biggar confirmed his decision: “That chapter has closed for me. When I retired from Wales, I thought I might miss it, but I haven’t. I’m really enjoying life in France and the media work I’m doing. If I had stepped away from Wales and missed it, things might have been different. But I feel it was the right time to move on.”

Biggar remains a key player for Toulon, where his leadership and tactical kicking continue to impress.

Surprise Fact: Biggar’s pre-kick routine, the ‘Biggar Shuffle,’ was inspired by Elvis Presley.

4. Zach Mercer – Injury and club switch

England No. 8 Zach Mercer will miss the Lions tour after being ruled out for the season with a knee injury. Gloucester confirmed in December that Mercer, who had an outside shot at selection despite being overlooked by England, won’t return this season.

Once named Top 14 Player of the Year with Montpellier, Mercer returned to England in 2023 to chase a World Cup spot but was ignored by Steve Borthwick. Now, Toulon are prepared to buy out his Gloucester contract, meaning Mercer could soon be back in French rugby.

Despite his injury, Mercer was voted Gloucester’s Player of the Year in his debut season, proving his popularity with fans.

Surprise Fact: Mercer captained England U20s to victory in the 2017 World Rugby U20 Championship, beating New Zealand in the semi-finals.

5. Joe Marler – Retirement closes Lions chapter

Veteran prop Joe Marler was a bookies’ favourite to make the 2025 Lions tour, but his international retirement has ended any hopes of a call-up. The 90-cap England loosehead announced his Test retirement after the 2024 Six Nations, confirming he won’t be available for selection.

A dominant scrummager and larger-than-life character, Marler was part of England’s 2019 Rugby World Cup final squad and remained in contention for Steve Borthwick’s team until recently. After missing out on the 2017 and 2021 Lions tours, this was likely his last chance to wear the famous red jersey.

Despite his absence, Marler remains a key figure at Harlequins, where his experience and set-piece prowess continue to be invaluable.

Surprise Fact: Marler once dyed his hair bright blue to raise awareness for mental health charities, showing his commitment to supporting mental well-being in rugby.