Rugby World Cup 'worth R27.3 billion to SA'

Photo: Stefan Wermuth/Reuters

Photo: Stefan Wermuth/Reuters

Published May 31, 2017

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CAPE TOWN - SA Rugby has predicted that a successful Rugby World Cup hosted in South Africa in 2023 would have a R27.3 billion direct, indirect and induced economic impact on the country.

This forecast was made by SA Rugby chief executive Jurie Roux when he and ambassador to Ireland, Ahlangene Cyprian Sigcau, delivered the 827-page, 8.2kg document, detailing South Africa’s compelling case to host the tournament, to World Rugby headquarters in Dublin on Tuesday.

Roux said that if South Africa was awarded the 2023 World Cup, R5.7bn would flow to low-income households, 38 600 temporary or permanent jobs would be sustained and there would be an estimated R1.4bn tax benefit to the government.

He added: “South Africa’s track record of hosting premier global sporting events is unparallelled and, along with England, we are one of only two countries to have successfully hosted the Fifa World Cup, Rugby World Cup and Cricket World Cup.

Ellis Park is set to host the 2023 Rugby World Cup final and be known as the National Stadium if SA Rugby are successful with their bid. Photo: Sydney Mahlangu, BackpagePix

“We believe that Rugby World Cup 2023 in South Africa would deliver an event with a passion and nationwide excitement to match the 1995 tournament - 28 years on."

Ireland and France are also bidding to host the event. World Rugby is set to announce the successful applicant on November 15.

Roux said a final in 2023 would be played before a crowd of more than 84 000 in Johannesburg.

“South Africa has the hunger and capacity to host this tournament. We bid for the 2011, 2015 and 2019 tournaments and here we are again for 2023.

“We believe we have submitted the strongest technical bid supported by world-class venues and outstanding training facilities in an ideal climate against a stunning African backdrop."

Cape Argus

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