South Africa’s dream of once again hosting the Rugby World Cup appears to be on hold for the foreseeable future, as SA Rugby president Mark Alexander recently confirmed the country cannot afford the escalating financial burden required to stage the global tournament.
Speaking at a sponsorship event in Johannesburg, Alexander admitted that while South Africa has the heritage, passion, and supporter base worthy of hosting such a world-class event, the current economic and infrastructural demands make a bid unrealistic. The cost of upgrading stadiums, enhancing security, and meeting the requirements of a modern Rugby World Cup would put unacceptable pressure on government resources.
💸 The Real Costs: Why a Bid Doesn’t Add Up
The last time South Africa hosted the World Cup was in 1995. Since then, despite putting in bids for subsequent tournaments — including 2011, 2015, 2019, and 2023 — none succeeded.
Alexander referenced the 2023 bid when noting the magnitude of the financial guarantee required — reported to be around R4 billion at the time.
Moreover, many of the existing stadiums and sports facilities have not been properly maintained or upgraded in recent years. To meet modern global standards, extensive refurbishments — likely costing hundreds of millions more — would be mandatory.
Given South Africa’s current economic challenges and the need for government funding to prioritise critical services, Alexander described it as “reckless” to expect authorities to commit large sums for a World Cup bid under the present conditions.
Looking Ahead — 2035 Bid? Not Likely
With the next two World Cups already awarded — to Australia in 2027 and United States in 2031 — speculation had turned toward a possible South African bid for 2035. However, Alexander’s recent comments make it clear that SA Rugby is not preparing a bid anytime soon.
While some government officials — including the deputy minister of sport — have highlighted the potential tourism and economic benefits of hosting a World Cup, SA Rugby remains cautious. The union argues that those gains do not outweigh the financial guarantees, required infrastructural upgrades, and risk of public backlash over government spending priorities.
The consensus is growing that future tournaments will likely be awarded to richer nations — those better positioned to absorb the rising costs of staging large-scale sporting events.
What South Africa Is Prioritizing Instead
Rather than chasing a World Cup bid, SA Rugby now appears to be focusing on more manageable, high-profile fixtures. One example is the planned 2026 Test series between the Springboks and the All Blacks — a blockbuster rivalry that doesn’t require massive infrastructure investment, but could still deliver major sporting excitement for fans.
By using existing stadiums and avoiding the heavy financial strain of a World Cup bid, the union believes this strategy offers a more sustainable way to keep top-tier rugby alive and thriving in the country.
At the same time, SA Rugby has flagged the urgent need for a financial review and greater sustainability. The organisation reportedly remains a break-even entity and lacks substantial reserve funds — a situation worsened after the economic fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic.
What This Means for Fans and the Future
For South African rugby fans, the reality is sobering: a home Rugby World Cup, which once seemed a possibility, might not happen for many years — if ever. The financial and infrastructural demands simply do not align with current national priorities.
However, that doesn’t mean South Africa will be starved of international rugby. With strategic scheduling and focus on major test series, supporters can still expect world-class action on home soil, without the economic gamble of a World Cup bid.
Whether the country eventually returns to the running will depend on long-term economic recovery, infrastructural investment, and perhaps a shift in how global rugby events are funded. For now, SA Rugby appears determined to play it safe.
