Sa Rugby Boss Mark Alexander Is Correct To Play Down Expectation Of Sa Hosting A World Cup

COMMENT

SA Rugby president Mark Alexanders reluctance for South Africa to bid for the Rugby World Cup in 2035 shows a firm understanding of the economic reality facing the country.

Every Springbok fan would love to witness 1995 all over again in the Rainbow Country but the bottom line is that South Africa cannot afford to host the tournament.

SA Rugby suffered failed bids for the 2011, 2015, 2019 and 2023 tournaments, and last week speculation arose that there would be a local bid for the 2035 event after Department of Sports, Arts and Culture, Deputy Minister Peace Mabe, stated that the government would back a South African bid.

This news came at the same time as the public confirmation that France, the holders of the 2023 World Cup, ran at a mammoth financial loss despite the tournament having been heralded as a sporting success.