SOUTH Africa’s 2023 Rugby World Cup bid has been cited as the “clear leader” and unanimous choice by the World Cup board.
But there is still one more hurdle to clear before Mzansi secures the rights to host the prestigious rugby tournament.
The final decision rests with 26 World Rugby Council members who will collectively exercise 39 votes in London today.
South Africa is vying for the rights to welcome the rugby world to these shores for the second time in nearly three decades.
The country is up against Ireland and 2007 hosts France, the two who were last week rated second and third respectively.
A high-powered government delegation comprising Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa, Sport Minister Thulas Nxesi and SA Rugby Union president Mark Alexander are already in the UK where the host nation for the 2023 World Cup will be announced.
South Africa’s bid was recommended following an exhaustive tendering, clarification and evaluation process.
But a majority vote is required to secure the hosting rights, with the three bidding countries having no voting rights. Intense lobbying could, however, still be expected ahead of the crucial vote.
The local delegation sounds confident of sealing the deal. Ramaphosa’s involvement shows government’s support for and commitment to the effort to return the tournament to the African continent in the 21st Century.
This commitment has been demonstrated by the fact that the government had, as the lead partner in the bid process, signed off on all the requirements stipulated by the World Rugby Council, satisfying more than the required minimum guarantee in the process.
The government has congratulated Team South Africa on its bid and urged South Africans to wear green to show support as the delegation enters the final stages of the process to secure the rights to host rugby’s biggest showpiece.
Today’s announcement is scheduled for 3pm (local time) and will be broadcast live on SuperSport.
