London — SA took a huge step towards hosting their second Rugby World Cup on Tuesday when the Rugby World Cup board recommended unanimously that the country should host the 2023 game. SA, who hosted the 1995 tournament, will learn whether the World Rugby Council votes according to the recommendation on November 15, with Ireland and France the other two options. The winner requires a majority of the 39 votes on offer: the three candidates do not get to vote. Bill Beaumont, Rugby World Cup chairman and head of the sport’s governing body, World Rugby, said SA had emerged as clearly ahead in all seven key criteria, such as stadiums and financial assurances. "The comprehensive and independently scrutinised evaluation re-affirmed that we have three exceptional bids," said Beaumont in a statement. "But it also identified SA as a clear leader based on performance against the key criteria, which is supported by the board in the recommendation." SA — whose bid had looked weakened by Durban’s ...
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