Cape Town - SARU have confirmed its interest in bidding for the 2023 Rugby World Cup on Wednesday, following the announcement of the tender process by World Rugby.
Jurie Roux, CEO of SARU, reaffirmed the union’s commitment to bring the tournament back to South Africa, on the proviso of the approval of SASCOC – SA’s national Olympic Committee – and support of national government.
"We definitely expect to be bidding to host the 2023
Rugby World Cup – as we have for the past three
tournaments,” said Roux.
"By the time the tournament comes round it will be
28 years since Nelson Mandela handed the
trophy to Francois Pienaar and I believe that
South Africa is hungry to once again host rugby’s
greatest occasion.
"The 1995 Rugby World Cup and the 2010 FIFA World
Cup were magnificent occasions for our nation
and for the respective sports and the prospect of
being able to repeat those unforgettable occasions
is very exciting.
"Bidding will mean a lot of hard work and I am sure
the competition will be fierce but this country has a
unique experience to offer the game’s travelling supporters."
World Rugby announced the key dates for bidding
would be:
• 14 May - Window opens for unions to submit Expressions of Interest
• 15 June - Expression of Interest period ends
• May 2016 - Tender documentation released
• June 2016 - Deadline for confirmation of intention
to tender
• May 2017 - Announcement of 2023 Rugby World Cup
host
"Rugby World Cup is one of the world’s most recognisable and popular major sports events," said World Rugby chairpaerson Bernard Lapasset.
"With a six-week global shop window, upwards of
500 000 international visitors, multiple sporting, social and tourism benefits, economic benefits of up to £2 billion (R36bn) and minimal infrastructure overlay,
it is also an attractive event for potential hosts.
"Today’s announcement is great news for Rugby World Cup and for our member unions.
"The host selection process gives unions a clear
timetable to consult with relevant stakeholders, including national and regional government, deliver feasibility studies and hone their bids to host an event that truly delivers the platform to promote and grow rugby around the world."
