South Africa, in its 2023 Rugby World Cup bid, has developed 10 commitments and will partner with RWCL to deliver the most memorable major sporting event of 2023.
1. We will make rugby proud: South Africa will deliver an event that will honour the custodianship of the tournament, celebrate its 10th tournament anniversary and the game’s 200-year history.
2. You will make money: The government-guaranteed tournament fee is £160 million, which is £40m more than the bid requirement. In SA, RWC 2023 will be a low-risk, high-return event in an ideal commercial environment (time zone, language, rights protection).
3. Peak performance: Our player-centric focus will be unprecedented in comfort, convenience and support. Player performance will be optimal, given the ideal playing conditions, world class match venues and training facilities, and a match schedule with low travel impact.
4. You will love working with us: It’s your tournament, we are your stage. It’s an event for the whole world, not just South Africa. Together we will deliver operational excellence, with the full support of national government and host cities.
5. Super stadia: SA has eight rugby and true multi-purpose, all-seater, world-class match venues. All our stadia could host a quarter-final, and four meet and exceed RWCL’s requirements to host the final.
6. Rugby that rocks: Our match venues will have new, full-sized Desso pitches that are firm and dry in the South African spring. These conditions will make for brilliant and entertaining rugby.
7. Fan-tastic: We’ll host the biggest rugby carnival that is vibrantly African in a top international tourist destination... where you can enjoy the rugby, beautiful beaches, natural splendour and Big 5 wildlife!
8. Best ever tournament: South Africa’s local value for money ensures a tournament budget that prioritises player welfare and exceptional quality. Our local costs also decrease RWCL’s delivery costs, and are attractive to international tourists.
9. Leveraging technology: SA Rugby’s world-leading digital sports technology ICT partner will ensure the tournament connects to and inspires a global audience. They will develop a bespoke Tournament Management System that will be transferred to RWCL and future hosts at no cost.
10. Tournament legacy: World Rugby will be the biggest beneficiary of RWC2023’s global rugby spectacle, rugby and technology legacy, and improved knowledge transfer to 2027 host candidates. The tournament will support World Rugby’s vision of delivering a truly global mass participation sport.