South Africa set for ANOTHER Rugby World Cup U-turn as latest bid stance revealed – report
South Africa last hosted the Rugby World Cup in 1995.
The South African Rugby Union (SARU) will speak with World Rugby before deciding whether to throw their hat into the ring for hosting the 2035 Men’s Rugby World Cup.
The country’s governing body is eager to understand what the conditions are for hosting the global tournament before they make a decision on whether to enter the race.
According to Rapport, SARU has not yet made a final decision on bidding for the tournament, but even considering it is a U-turn from their previous stance and comments.
Change of stance?
The governing body had told the publication earlier in 2025 that it could no longer compete financially to host the Rugby World Cup, so this would be a dramatic decision.
South Africa last hosted the tournament 30 years ago in 1995 in what was a hugely successful event, climaxing in Springboks great Francois Pienaar lifting the silverware.
The country did bid for the 2023 Rugby World Cup and were very much in the running to take the honours before France dramatically won the race to host the 10th event.
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Rapport suggests that even if SARU are encouraged by discussions with World Rugby, it remains unclear whether South Africa’s government would help fund the process.
World Rugby opened the bidding process for the hosting rights of the 2035 men’s event this past week in London, with countries officially set to express interest from October.
Japan, the host of the 2019 Rugby World Cup, has already confirmed it will bid for the tournament, with a final decision from World Rugby being made by November 2027.
Following the announcement of countries indicating their interest next month, there’ll be a submission of detailed applicant questionnaires in 2026 before facility visits and feasibility assessments take place in late 2026 to early 2027. May 2027 will see an identification of the preferred host before the formal decision in November 2027.
2035 race is on
World Rugby Chair Brett Robinson said: “Rugby World Cups are the sport’s greatest platform and the men’s edition fuels the growth and sustainability of the sport.
“The process we are launching for 2035 sits at the very heart of our renewed strategy to grow the reach, strength and impact of the global game for our members.
“Following historic tournaments in the USA, we see 2035 as another major opportunity to unlock new audiences and additional value while ensuring Rugby World Cup continues to inspire and unite the world through rugby.”