SA Rugby has yet to decide whether to launch a bid for the 2035 World Cup.
World Rugby this week confirmed that the bidding process has opened, with expressions of interest required from October and a final decision to be made in November 2027.
For SA Rugby, the first step will be understanding the financial and logistical requirements.
“Depending on what World Rugby sets out, we will then make a call,” a source told Rapport.
The stance represents a shift from earlier this year, when SA Rugby maintained it was no longer financially able to compete with European nations to host the global showpiece.
MORE: SA Rugby won’t bid to host RWC
The government’s support – or lack thereof – will again be a decisive factor, as hosting the event requires significant financial guarantees.
South Africa famously staged the 1995 World Cup, when Francois Pienaar’s Boks lifted the Webb Ellis Cup at Ellis Park in an iconic moment for the country.
More recently, SA was the favourite to secure the 2023 tournament before political manoeuvring swung the vote in France’s favour.
Australia and the USA will host the 2027 and 2031 tournaments respectively.
Photo: Shaun Botterill/Getty Images
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