The South African Government is willing to take hands with corporate stakeholders to bring the tournament to home soil, if SA Rugby decides to bid for the hosting rights of the 2035 Rugby World Cup.
It will then be 40 years since the country hosted its first-ever tournament in 1995, where the Springboks lifted the trophy for the first time. Since then, they’ve gone on to win the trophy three more times in 2007, 2019, and 2023 but have never hosted rugby’s world premier championship again.
South Africa was in the running and the preferred candidate after bidding for the 2023 rights, but France snatched it away from them with votes. While the bidding process must still open for the 2035 tournament, there are already talks of Spain and three Middle Eastern Countries – Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates jointly – putting their names in the hat to host the global showpiece.
That means, South Africa will have to compete with big money to bag the hosting rights. It’s unlikely to happen if SA Rugby and the government must foot the guarantee to World Rugby, but if corporate stakeholders come on board, there is an opportunity to create a viable bid.
Peace Mabe, deputy minister of sports, art and culture, said on Tuesday at the launch of the 2025 Telkom Netball League, that if there is interest, then government will agree to the hosting.
“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.”
The next two World Cups will take place in Australia in 2027 and the US in 2031.
