SA could be in line to host RWC 2019

SA could be in line to host RWC 2019: EWN is reporting that South Africa could be in line to host the 2019 Rugby World Cup after speaking exclusively to CEO of World Rugby, Brett Gosper.

Host nation Japan has left World Rugby unconvinced that the country has the infrastructure to hose the tournament, despite being one of the world’s economic powerhouses.

Gosper confirmed that if Japan doesn’t provide ample assurances by the end of this month that they have the capability to host the tournament, South Africa could be announced host nation of the showpiece competition in four years’ time.

It’s understood though that the South African rugby leadership have been sounded out about the possibility of hosting the tournament having originally lost out to Japan, and having bid alongside Italy.

World Rugby’s considering it’s position for the showpiece following Japan revising it’s plans for the tournament and withdrawing the proposal for the new national stadium to be built in Tokyo.

This venue was to be the centerpiece of the event and would have also formed a key element of the Tokyo Olympic Games in 2020. Gosper insists that no discussions have taken place yet, although it seems inconceivable that World Rugby would not already have started dialogue over a possible replacement for Japan.

Read the full report on EWN here.