Cyril Ramaphosa: #SA2023 Rugby can break barriers, create hope and unite humanity

Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa is flanked by Springbok World Cup-winning captains John Smit and Francois Pienaar in London on Monday. Photo: @Springboks via Twitter

Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa is flanked by Springbok World Cup-winning captains John Smit and Francois Pienaar in London on Monday. Photo: @Springboks via Twitter

Published Sep 25, 2017

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LONDON – A South African Rugby World Cup in 2023 would be an unbeatable triple-win, the World Rugby Council was told in London on Monday, when SA Rugby made their case to host the 10th Rugby World Cup tournament.

A South African Rugby World Cup would be a win for the sport, a win for supporters and most importantly a win for the players, delegates were told in a 50-minute presentation led by Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa, and including the Minister of Sport and Recreation Thulas Nxesi.

“South Africa ticks every single box of the financial, commercial and logistical requirements of the host, but we go way beyond the minimum requirements to set us apart as a candidate,” said SA Rugby CEO Jurie Roux.

“We were asked to provide a minimum guarantee of £120m, but with unqualified support from our government, we are offering an extra £40m.

“We were asked to provide eight venues, the smallest of which must have a minimum capacity of 15 000, but we offer eight venues – purpose-built for rugby and requiring no upgrading – with the smallest one offering a fully seated capacity of 43 500.

“And we will host the largest-ever Rugby World Cup final with 87 436 fans at the National Stadium in Johannesburg.

Just some of the reasons why South Africa should win the 2023 Rugby World Cup bid. Graphic: SA Rugby

The National Stadium in Johannesburg would host the biggest ever crowd for a Rugby World Cup final. Graphic: SA Rugby

“Our stadia allow us to place more tickets on sale than ever before; a South African Rugby World Cup would make available 2.9 million seats – 400 000 more than the highly successful England 2015 tournament.

“But, most importantly,” said Roux, “this will be the most player-centric tournament ever; it 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 – 85% of pool matches will be played in a team’s home base; the longest trip to a training venue will be 17 minutes.”

Thirdly, the travelling fans would enjoy unique experiences, as well as the benefit of a favourable exchange rate.

“Iconic venues in iconic locations – whether it be on the fringes of the Kruger National Park, in the vibrant heart of the country in Gauteng, or in the Mother City of Cape Town – South Africa will offer visitors an unrivalled experience in a country that will guarantee a tournament like no other,” said Roux.

“Visitors can enjoy breakfast with great white sharks; have lunch in the vineyards and take dinner on a game drive – all in the same day.”

Deputy President Ramaphosa spoke to the World Rugby Council of the power of rugby to unite people. “In 1995, the Rugby World Cup cemented the bonds between our diverse people,” he said.

“In 2023, we hope to use the Rugby World Cup to inspire and unite not only South Africans, but the global community of nations.

“In a world facing the threat of polarisation, intolerance and indifference, South Africa is best poised to demonstrate that rugby can break barriers, create hope and unite humanity.

“The people and government of South Africa are therefore wholeheartedly behind SA Rugby’s bid. We have proven we can deliver.”

World Rugby CEO @BrettGosper on the excitement surrounding the three host candidate bid presentations for #RWC2023 taking place in London pic.twitter.com/KfMdNUs3UR

— World Rugby (@WorldRugby) September 25, 2017

Sports Minister Nxesi said: “South Africa’s bid is simple. We promise to make World Rugby proud by hosting an unforgettable celebration of rugby that delivers on every single bid requirement.

“We don’t need to build new stadia or upgrade old ones; we don’t need to find hotel rooms and you don’t need to worry about the guarantees. We don’t need to pass new legislation. Every last detail of the required specification is already in place.

“We have a deep and burning desire to host this tournament – not just for South Africa, but for rugby.

Min Nxesi, Mark Alexander, DM Gert Ooostuizen, part of London World Cup 2023 delegation Safe in London. pic.twitter.com/e0fdfOZzor

— Dep. Sport & Rec (@SPORTandREC_RSA) September 24, 2017

“We want to share our passion with the world and provide the sport with a carnival that’s vibrantly African, which will engulf our country, capture a continent and inspire the world.”

South Africa is bidding against Ireland and France for the rights to host the tournament.

Rugby World Cup Ltd will announce their preferred candidate on 31 October. That recommendation will be put to a vote of the World Rugby Council on 15 November.

SA Rugby

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