Saru on Wednesday confirmed its interest in bidding for the 2023 World Cup, following the announcement of the tender process by World Rugby.

Jurie Roux, CEO of Saru, reaffirmed the union’s commitment to bring the tournament back to South Africa, on the proviso of the approval of SASCOC – SA’s national Olympic Committee – and support of national government.

'We definitely expect to be bidding to host the 2023 World Cup – as we have for the past three tournaments,' said Roux. 'By the time the tournament comes round it will be 28 years since Nelson Mandela handed the trophy to Francois Pienaar and I believe that South Africa is hungry to once again host rugby’s greatest occasion.

'The 1995 World Cup and the 2010 Fifa World Cup were magnificent occasions for our nation and for the respective sports and the prospect of being able to repeat those unforgettable occasions is very exciting.

'Bidding will mean a lot of hard work and I am sure the competition will be fierce but this country has a unique experience to offer the game’s travelling supporters.'

World Rugby announced the key dates for bidding would be:

14 May 2015 – Window opens for unions to submit Expressions of Interest
15 June 2015 – Expression of Interest period ends
May 2016 – Tender documentation released
June 2016 – Deadline for confirmation of intention to tender
May 2017 – Announcement of 2023 World Cup host

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