The government has officially given SA Rugby its support for the union’s bid for the 2011 World Cup tournament.
Beeld newspaper reported on Monday that Minister of Sport and Recreation Makhenkesi Stofile has handed an official letter, in which the government’s support is stated, to bid committee chairperson Francois Pienaar.
There were fears that the government would withhold its backing due to the ongoing leadership spat between Stofile’s brother, SA Rugby vice-president Mike Stofile, and president Brian van Rooyen.
Although Van Rooyen told the media that most of the issues had been resolved, there are still rumblings among some provincial presidents who feel that Stofile’s political agendas overshadow his rugby priorities.
With all the uncertainty, Pienaar was relieved after receiving the letter.
”I want to thank the government and the minister of sport for their support. We can now go full steam ahead with the work,” said the former Bok captain.
New Zealand are also bidding for the rugby showpiece and have already handed over a bid deposit to the International Rugby Board (IRB).
The South African bid will officially be presented in May, after which a technical evaluation will be overseen by the IRB in June.
The winner of the bid will be announced in November. — Sapa