South Africa unlikely to host Rugby World Cup again soon due to rising costs

South Africa’s hopes of bringing the Rugby World Cup back to local soil have taken a back seat, with SA Rugby president Mark Alexander confirming that the country simply cannot meet the financial requirements needed to host the global tournament.

Speaking at a sponsorship event in Johannesburg, Alexander admitted that while South Africa has the passion, history and fan base to stage a successful World Cup, the economic reality makes it nearly impossible for now.

Hosting the event demands major financial backing, including government investment and costly stadium upgrades, something he believes would be irresponsible in the current climate.

“If we want to host the Rugby World Cup, the country also has to contribute quite a bit of money,” Alexander said.

He added that expecting government to pour millions into infrastructure at this stage would be “reckless”.

South Africa has not hosted the tournament since the iconic 1995 edition, and although the country has made several strong bids in the past, including for 2011, 2015, 2019 and 2023, none were successful.

With Australia already locked in for 2027 and the United States preparing to host in 2031, the earliest realistic opportunity for a bid would be 2035, but even that remains uncertain.

Alexander suggested that future Rugby World Cups are likely to land in financially stronger nations that can comfortably meet the rising cost of staging large-scale sporting spectacles.

Until conditions improve, he believes SA Rugby should focus on major events that don’t place a heavy burden on the national budget.

One of these is the highly anticipated 2026 Springboks vs All Blacks Test series, which he described as a more practical and exciting alternative for fans.

The blockbuster rivalry, which Alexander says could outshine even a British & Irish Lions tour, will use existing stadium infrastructure and avoid the massive expenses associated with hosting a World Cup.

With the draw for the 2027 tournament already completed earlier this month, Alexander’s remarks make it clear that South Africans may have to wait many more years before the global showpiece returns, but the country’s rugby calendar still promises world-class action without the financial strain.