The recommendation of the Rugby World Cup Board that South Africa hosts the tournament again in 2023 is a victory for "nation-building and social cohesion", Sports Minister Thulas Nxesi said yesterday.
The government gave its financial and moral support to the bid having witnessed the role the 1995 tournament played in uniting a fractured society at the end of apartheid, Nxesi added.
The World Rugby Council is expected to rubber-stamp the Rugby World Cup Board's recommendation on November 15, though it could still opt for the bids of France and Ireland when the decision goes to a vote among member nations.
"This is a great and historic day," Nxesi told reporters.
"We know this is just the first step, but the reason we backed this bid is because we believe it is an important part of nation-building and social cohesion."
SA Rugby chief Jurie Roux urged their rivals to refrain from "anything untoward" in terms of trying to win favour.
Banking on more World Cup magic
Image: RYAN WILKISKY
The recommendation of the Rugby World Cup Board that South Africa hosts the tournament again in 2023 is a victory for "nation-building and social cohesion", Sports Minister Thulas Nxesi said yesterday.
The government gave its financial and moral support to the bid having witnessed the role the 1995 tournament played in uniting a fractured society at the end of apartheid, Nxesi added.
The World Rugby Council is expected to rubber-stamp the Rugby World Cup Board's recommendation on November 15, though it could still opt for the bids of France and Ireland when the decision goes to a vote among member nations.
"This is a great and historic day," Nxesi told reporters.
"We know this is just the first step, but the reason we backed this bid is because we believe it is an important part of nation-building and social cohesion."
SA Rugby chief Jurie Roux urged their rivals to refrain from "anything untoward" in terms of trying to win favour.
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