SOUTH AFRICA HAS joined the list of challengers to Ireland’s Rugby World Cup bid.

Jurie Roux, chief executive of SA Rugby, revealed today that the Springboks will bid to bring the 2023 tournament back to South Africa.

With England and Japan set to host the next two World Cups in 2015 and 2019 respectively, Ireland are among the countries who have publicly expressed an interest in staging the global showpiece in either 2023 or 2027.

Those plans were given a huge boost in March when GAA Congress carried a motion which would allow the IRFU to use the Association’s stadiums as part of its proposal. It is thought that as many as six GAA grounds could be used if the Irish bid is successful.

Russia and a joint proposal from the USA and Canada are also thought to be considering a bid.

South Africa hosted and won the 1995 World Cup, defeating the All Blacks 15-12 in a final which then-president Nelson Mandela watched wearing a replica of the number six  shirt worn by skipper Francois Pienaar.

– Additional reporting by AFP

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