SA Rugby CEO Warns South Africa May Lose Rugby World Cup Hosting Rights Permanently

South Africa’s glory days as a Rugby World Cup host might remain in the past.

SA Rugby CEO Rian Oberholzer has cautioned that financial realities make it highly unlikely for World Rugby to bring the tournament back to the country.

While the Springboks’ success on the field is unquestionable, off-field economics increasingly dictate where future tournaments are staged.

Economics Trump History

The 1995 Rugby World Cup in South Africa remains iconic, not just for sport but for national unity.

However, Oberholzer stressed that World Rugby now prioritizes revenue generation over tradition.

Australia will host the 2027 edition, followed by the United States in 2031, targeting new, commercially lucrative markets rather than cycling back to traditional rugby strongholds.

With bids for the 2035 World Cup already under consideration—including Spain, Italy, Japan, and a joint Middle East proposal—the economic gap between South Africa and wealthier regions is stark.

“If you compare us to Europe, I cannot see that the money will ever be the same,” Oberholzer said, emphasizing that hosting decisions are driven by income potential to sustain the global rugby ecosystem.

End of Rotational Hosting

Oberholzer also indicated that the era of rotational hosting may be over.

Traditional rugby nations like South Africa and New Zealand no longer have guaranteed turns.

“New Zealand and South Africa will not make the money out of a World Cup that World Rugby needs,” he noted, signaling that financial clout now outweighs historical prestige.

This shift reflects a broader strategy by World Rugby to maximize revenue, ensuring that funds flow back into the sport globally, even if it means leaving iconic rugby nations out of the hosting cycle.

Impact and Consequences

For South Africa, missing out on future World Cups could affect tourism, national pride, and local rugby development.

Hosting brings significant economic injection—from hospitality and transport to merchandising—alongside global media attention.

Without it, the country may have to find alternative ways to maintain rugby’s growth domestically and fund grassroots programs.

Additionally, this financial-driven decision could influence player retention, sponsorship deals, and the nation’s international influence in rugby governance.

Other traditional rugby nations may face similar challenges as commercial considerations dominate the decision-making process.

What’s Next?

The focus now shifts to the 2035 bidding process, with Europe and the Middle East vying for hosting rights.

South Africa will likely continue as a strong competitor in international rugby on the field but may need to lobby strategically for hosting smaller tournaments or joint events to maintain visibility.

Meanwhile, the Springboks aim to defend their championship streak in Australia in 2027, showcasing the country’s enduring rugby prowess despite potential exclusion from hosting duties.

Summary

South Africa’s ability to host the Rugby World Cup again faces an uphill battle.

Economic realities outweigh historical precedent, making rotational hosting unlikely.

While the Springboks remain a powerhouse on the pitch, off-field financial considerations dominate World Rugby’s strategy, directing future tournaments to regions with greater commercial potential.

Bulleted Takeaways

• SA Rugby CEO Rian Oberholzer says financial factors make future World Cups in South Africa unlikely.

• Australia (2027) and the US (2031) are the next hosts as World Rugby targets lucrative markets.

• Bids for 2035 include Spain, Italy, Japan, and a joint Middle East proposal.

• Rotational hosting for traditional rugby nations may be effectively over.

• Economic decisions now outweigh historical legacy in determining World Cup locations.

• South Africa’s rugby growth domestically may need alternative funding and global exposure strategies.

• The Springboks will defend their championship streak in Australia next year.