Mark Alexander, president of SA Rugby, has voiced his strong advice against bidding for the Rugby World Cup (RWC) tournaments in 2035 and 2039, citing the country’s current economic struggles.
While South Africa has long dreamed of hosting the prestigious event again, Alexander believes that the financial burden is simply too great for a nation facing pressing economic challenges.
South Africa’s Past Attempts and Future Possibilities
South Africa has previously attempted to host the RWC on four occasions, including bids for the 2021, 2015, 2019, and 2023 tournaments.
The country’s only successful RWC hosting was in 1995, a memorable event that brought rugby to the global stage.
As Australia and the USA prepare to host the 2027 and 2031 tournaments, there were hopes that South Africa would join the bidding for the 2035 event.
However, the country now faces growing doubts about whether it should continue pursuing this dream.
Government and Corporate Stakeholders’ Role
The possibility of South Africa bidding for the 2035 RWC gained some momentum after Peace Mabe, the deputy minister of sport, arts, and culture, expressed the government’s support for such a bid.
Mabe emphasized that the backing of corporate sponsors would be critical to making the bid financially viable.
However, Alexander remains unconvinced, arguing that the country’s economy is not in a position to handle the substantial financial commitments required to host the event.
The High Costs of Hosting a Rugby World Cup
Alexander pointed out the enormous costs involved in organizing the tournament, highlighting that South Africa’s bid for the 2023 RWC included a staggering R6.8 billion price tag.
This bid also required substantial government support, including funding for infrastructure and security measures.
Furthermore, South Africa had to offer a financial guarantee of R4 billion, which, according to Alexander, would place too much strain on the nation’s resources.
Upgrading Stadiums and Addressing Other Challenges
Another significant hurdle, according to Alexander, is the state of the country’s sports infrastructure.
Many of South Africa’s stadiums have fallen into disrepair over the years and would require extensive upgrades, adding millions of rands to the overall cost.
While some view the RWC as just a sporting event, Alexander stresses that it involves numerous logistical challenges, and the benefits cannot be weighed solely in terms of sport.
Alexander’s Call for Responsibility
In his comments to the Sunday Times, Alexander made it clear that he would advise SA Rugby against pursuing a RWC bid for either 2035 or 2039.
He emphasized the importance of focusing on other pressing issues that require immediate attention, saying, “We are a third-world country.
Our economy is not strong and we have to act responsibly.”
While he acknowledged the positive impact of sport on social cohesion, he believes it would be irresponsible to put the country through the financial strain required for a World Cup bid.
A Tough Decision for SA Rugby and the Nation
While the idea of hosting the Rugby World Cup is undeniably appealing, Alexander’s stance highlights the tough decision South Africa faces in balancing its sporting ambitions with the reality of its economic situation.
The country has faced significant challenges in recent years, and many believe that the government and SA Rugby need to prioritize the well-being of the nation over the financial risks of hosting such a large-scale event.
Should South Africa Bid for the Rugby World Cup?
Do you agree with Mark Alexander’s cautionary advice? Should South Africa push forward with a bid for the 2035 or 2039 Rugby World Cup, or is it wiser to focus on other priorities? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.