The year 1995 marked a pivotal moment for the South African sporting landscape as the country played host to the Rugby World Cup for the first time.
Following on from that significant milestone, Thulas Nxesi, new Minister of Sport and Recreation, speaking at a meeting with the South African Rugby Union (Saru) at Saru House in Cape Town on 2 May, said hosting the Rugby World Cup in 2023 could bode well for the country, much like the 2010 Soccer World Cup.
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Saru president, Mark Alexander, said engagements with government was key in SA Rugby’s agenda. “Mr Nxesi’s visit shows that government is serious about the role sport can play in the broader South African context, and we’re grateful that we can also be part of that,” said Alexander. “It was a very good meeting where we were able to update the minister on our plans to host the Rugby World Cup in 2023 as well as other current issues.”
Little was shed on what those current issues were, however, Alexander did allude to a change within the local rugby scene. “The minister was briefed by the Springbok coach on his plans and we were able to brief him on the planned reduction in the number of Vodacom Super Rugby franchises,” said Alexander.
A buoyant Nxesi added, “Today’s meeting was basically a meet and greet and part of my campaign of listening and learning with all the sporting federations, finding out what their challenges are and hopefully we can help them deal with those challenges,” he said. “Rugby is very important in South Africa. We know our team had a slump last year, but we believe we will go back to where we belong as South African rugby.
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“A big part of the 2010 Fifa World Cup legacy are the stadia which were built, which means the necessary infrastructure is in place. It means the hosting costs would be seriously reduced and I believe that the hosting of the Rugby World Cup in 2023 can also leave a huge legacy and make a big impact.”
Speaking on his new portfolio the minister said, “I am passionate about development and was interested to hear what SA Rugby’s development programmes entail, in the schools, because that’s where the youth is.”
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