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South Africa has been named by World Rugby as the preferred RWC hosts. Today’s recommendation sees Africa’s global rugby giant named ahead of France and Ireland in the race to secure the tournament’s hosting rights.
The three-horse-race had been four with Italy initially bidding for the tournament. The decision to pull out resulted in both France and Ireland gaining ground. This ultimately saw South Africa widely considered as the rank-outsider to host.
Instead Europe is now to miss out on hosting a Rugby World Cup in what has been an eight year cycle. England, France, Ireland, Scotland and Wales hosted Rugby World Cups 1991 and 1999. 2007 had games in France, Scotland and Wales while two years ago saw Wales sub-hosting England 2015.
A return to Europe is now all but out of the question until 2027 or later. That is despite today’s announcement not being binding. It is, rather, a recommendation. But as was the case with Rugby World Cups 2015 and 2019 the decision has, in reality, now been made.
World Rugby favors South Africa on the basis that it scored 78.97% in meeting World Rugby’s key objectives. France came in second scoring 75.88% while Ireland scored 72.25%.
The report declared:
Based on the evaluation contained in this report, the candidate that scored the highest marks and is therefore deemed to be the optimal candidate to host Rugby World Cup 2023 is South Africa. It is the recommendation of the RWCL Board of Directors to World Rugby Council that South Africa should be awarded the right to host Rugby World Cup 2023.
Having the recommendation ratified is now what stands in the way of South Africa 2023 becoming reality. South Africa still has to clear one final hurdle before the celebrations can begin. It will be voted on by the World Rugby Council in London, U.K. on November 15.
In total there are 39 votes to be cast. The winner needs a total of 20 votes, an outright majority to secure hosting rights. The voting structure is as follows:
Three votes each (21)
Argentina, Australia, England, Italy, New Zealand, Scotland, Wales
Two votes each (14)
Africa – CAR, Rugby America North, Rugby Asia, Rugby Europe, Japan, Rugby Oceania, Sudamérica Rugby
One vote each (4)
Canada, Georgia, Romania, USA
Argentina, Canada and the USA thereby all have voting power. Rugby Americas North and Sudamérica Rugby also do, thereby technically representing the interests of all of the Americas.
The decision to back South Africa is, in theory, good and bad for the Americas. Argentina and South Africa have had strong relations for many years. South Africa was directly responsible for Argentina’s path to the Rugby Championship.
Yet where does Argentina 2027 now stand? The chances of hosting two Rugby World Cups in the South Atlantic in consecutive tournaments is extremely low. A return to Europe looms as World Rugby’s probable action for 2027. Argentina 2031 may thereby be the path. Only time will tell.
