It's déjà vu all over again as South Africa flirts with the prospect of hosting the 2035 Rugby World Cup, despite previous declarations of bowing out of the financial fray that comes with such global spectacles. The South African Rugby Union (SARU) is back at the discussion table with World Rugby, gauging the terrain before deciding to officially vie for the hosting rights.
Flashback to earlier this year, SARU seemed to have their hands up in surrender, citing financial constraints as a barrier to hosting future World Cups. Yet, here they are, possibly reversing gears. The echo of the 1995 tournament, famously won on home soil under the captaincy of Francois Pienaar, still resonates strong and might just be the nostalgic push needed for a renewed bid.
The 2023 bid saga, where South Africa narrowly missed out to France, remains a sore point. Now, with the bidding process for the 2035 tournament freshly launched in London, the race is heating up. Japan has thrown its hat in the ring, reminiscent of their 2019 hosting stint, setting the stage for an intriguing bid battle.
"Rugby World Cups are the sport’s greatest platform and the men’s edition fuels the growth and sustainability of the sport,"
declared World Rugby Chair Brett Robinson. He continued, emphasizing the strategic importance of the 2035 Cup:"Following historic tournaments in the USA, we see 2035 as another major opportunity to unlock new audiences and additional value while ensuring Rugby World Cup continues to inspire and unite the world through rugby."
With the official interest expressions set to begin next month, followed by a detailed vetting process including applicant questionnaires and facility visits through 2026 and 2027, the anticipation is palpable. The identification of the preferred host in May 2027 will precede the final decision in November of the same year.
Yet, a significant hurdle remains. It's still uncertain whether the South African government will back SARU's bid financially, a critical factor that could make or break the deal. As the global rugby community watches on, the question remains: Will the land of the Springboks step onto the world stage once again as hosts, or will financial reality curb their World Cup dreams? The saga continues, as the rugby world eagerly awaits the next play.