Rugby | "Sleeping giant" South Africa unveils bid for 2030 IRL Men’s Rugby League World Cup

South Africa has officially joined the race to host the 2030 International Rugby League (IRL) Men’s Rugby League World Cup.

South Africa will join four other nations in presenting a bid in the most geographically extensive bidding group in men’s rugby league (RL) history. The IRL also announced earlier in the week that South Africa will also be presenting a bid for the 2028 (IRL) Women’s Rugby League World Cup.

Alongside South Africa, bids will be tabled by Papua New Guinea, Kenya, New Zealand and the United States. The local promoter for the South African event is Maxxium Sport Enterprise, a sports agency boasting experience working on some of South Africa’s biggest sporting events.

Chris Botes, Bid Lead, commented: “South Africa has a long historical association with rugby league, having played from 1956 and competed in the 1995 and 2000 Rugby League World Cups and sending a student team to the 2013 Rugby League World Cup in Leeds, United Kingdom. South Africa got close to hosting the 2017 Rugby League World Cup and we are now in a strong position to host the 2030 Men’s Rugby League World Cup and possible also the 2028 Women’s Rugby League World Cup. Both events bring significant tourism numbers to South Africa and has tremendous economic benefit to all South Africans.”

South African RL president Dr Frans Erasmus believes hosting the 2030 World Cup will be a pivotal opportunity for elevating the sport's profile in both South Africa and the African continent

"We are thrilled to announce our bid to host the 2030 Rugby League World Cup. This represents not only a monumental opportunity for South African Rugby League but also for the entire continent. Our history of successfully hosting major international sporting events, combined with our world-class facilities and the unwavering support of our fans, positions us uniquely to deliver an extraordinary World Cup experience. This bid is more than just an event; it's a chance to solidify rugby league's place on both the international and national sports calendars and to showcase the growth and passion for the sport in South Africa and beyond."

He added: “With the unwavering support of our passionate sport fans, our world-class facilities and the backing of our dedicated stakeholders, we are confident that South Africa will deliver a truly exceptional IRL World Cup experience, setting a new standard for excellence."   

Rugby league, also known as rugby league football or ‘footy’ in Oceania is a full-contact sport, first played in England in 1985. While the game is similar to Rugby Union, both in terms of name and style of play, there are a few fundamental differences, particularly regarding the rules. While playing with a rugby ball, the game only involves 13 players per side, and features no lineouts or rucks amongst other things. It is also considered to be much more physical and dynamic than its rugby cousin, and often features ‘big hits’ and fast play, making it an entertaining watch from minute one to 80.

The RL World Cup was first hosted in France in 1954, making it the second-oldest World Cup event in the world, behind only the FIFA World Cup. South Africa’s involvement in the sport began three years later when a South African side played against England and France on home soil in two matches. The South African team, known as the Rhinos has competed in multiple World Cups, making it all the way to the quarterfinals in 2013 Student edition. They have a chance to qualify for the 2026 (IRL) International Rugby League World Cup in Australia at the 2025 IRL World Series.

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