Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema lauded the shock decision by World Rugby Council to award the 2023 Rugby World Cup hosting rights to France ahead of South Africa and Ireland on Wednesday.

"Thank you France‚ we are doing just fine. Not disappointed at all‚hai‚" Malema tweeted moments after the France bid was confirmed as the winner in London.

France won the rights to host the 2023 showpiece despite finishing second to South Africa in a technical review announced last week.

South Africa‚ who hosted and won the 1995 World Cup‚ had been recommended by World Rugby’s Board but the Council members voted for France.

Ireland were eliminated in the first round of voting after amassing just eight votes against the 18 from France. South Africa got 13.

South Africa lost it in the second round as they got 15 votes.

Many other South Africans took to social media and communicated their feelings about the decision to award the tournament to the French.

Popular TV and radio sports presenter Robert Marawa also weighed in on SA losing the hosting rights.