South Africa Eyes 2035 Rugby World Cup with Government Backing

The South African government has expressed its readiness to back SA Rugby should it decide to bid for the hosting rights of the 2035 Rugby World Cup. With corporate support, the country could once again welcome the global event, exactly 40 years after hosting the historic 1995 tournament.

That inaugural Rugby World Cup on South African soil saw the Springboks lift the Webb Ellis Cup for the first time. Since then, the national team has claimed three more titles—in 2007, 2019, and most recently in 2023—but has not hosted the tournament again.

Spain emerge as front-runners to host men’s World Cup in 2035, with backing from country’s football authorities for option of staging big games at the Nou Camp (Barcelona) and Bernabeu (Madrid). Great plan. Where do I sign…? Story on ⁦@MailSport⁩ . https://t.co/ImPKYLBwe0

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South Africa was a front-runner for the 2023 edition and had been the preferred candidate, but ultimately lost out to France in the final voting. While the bidding for 2035 has not officially opened, early contenders such as Spain and a joint bid from Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE are already being discussed. These nations are expected to bring significant financial power to the table, which means South Africa’s bid would need strong private sector backing to be competitive.

Speaking at the launch of the 2025 Telkom Netball League, Deputy Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Peace Mabe confirmed the government’s willingness to support a bid—if SA Rugby shows interest.

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“Rugby is big business,” said Mabe. “The economic spin-offs in terms of tourism will be massive. If SA Rugby decides to host, hotels will be fully booked right away. We would welcome such an initiative.”

Mabe also acknowledged the importance of maintaining fairness in global sport, saying, “We are the No. 1 team in the world, but we don’t want to be seen as dominating the hosting rights. Let’s share the platform with others.”

The next two Rugby World Cups will be held in Australia in 2027 and the United States in 2031. With that rotation, South Africa’s bid for 2035 could offer World Rugby a return to a nation with proven success both on and off the field.

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Sourced:IOL
Picture: World Rugby/Getty Images