South Africa allowed to bid for 2023 Rugby World Cup after government withdraws ban

Ireland remain favourites to win hosting rights.

South Africa’s bid for the 2023 Rugby World Cup is back on track after the country’s government lifted a ban preventing the sport from applying to host international events, writes Stephen Barry.

The government had imposed the ban on rugby, cricket, athletics and netball in April 2016 for failing to meet racial diversity targets. Soccer had been the only one of the country’s five major sports to meet those targets for creating opportunities for black players.