The countdown has begun and it is officially 11 days til South Africa presents its bid in the UK to host the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
The bid, which will be presented to International Rugby Board will see South Africa compete with France and Ireland. France hosted the 2007 Rugby World Cup and Ireland is bidding for the first time.
Here are five reasons why we think South Africa should rather be the host.
1. Our credentials are impeccable
South Africa is no stranger to big events, the country has had the unique opportunity to host a world cup in three different sporting codes. South Africa's excellence in hosting large events includes the 1995 IRB Rugby World Cup, the 2003 ICC Cricket World Cup and the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
This will be further elevated in 2021 when we host the British & Irish Lions tour. South Africa definitely has the resources, infrastructure and the credentials to host the 2023 world cup.
2.We live and breathe rugby
South Africans love rugby, and rugby loves South Africa. South Africa has won two IRB rugby world cups, the only team with more world cups are the current champions New Zealand. Even with the lack of South African winners in the Super Rugby.
South Africa has an elite rugby team for each province. We have the Cell C Sharks in Kwa-Zulu Natal, the DHL Stormers in the Western Cape and the Vodacom Blue Bulls in Gauteng just to name a few.
3. World-Class Stadiums
South Africa has eight rugby and true-multi-purpose, world-class match venues. All our stadia could host a quarter-final and four meets and exceed requirements to host the final.
Here are our eight stadiums set to host the finals if we win the bid.
4. Legacy
The 2023 Rugby World Cup will be a wonderful experience for all South Africans and an unforgettable sporting and tourism experience for visitors.
If South Africa is successful, Rugby World Cup 2023 will be a fully immersive event, with rugby dominating and sports-mad South Africans will be fully engaged as they were for the FIFA World Cup.
5. To put it plainly, We deserve it
It has been 22 years since South Africa last hosted the rugby world cup. Since then New Zealand, England, France, Wales and Australia have hosted. With the 2019 world cup being set to be played in Japan, the southern hemisphere certainly needs another world cup.
South Africa is an attractive option for fans, for visitors, each host city will be showcasing the best of what that city has to offer, from beaches to safaris. We definitely thinks South Africa is more than ready to host another rugby world cup.