JOHANNESBURG: South Africa confirmed Wednesday their interest in hosting the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
"We definitely expect to be bidding to host the 2023 Rugby World Cup," South African Rugby Union chief executive Jurie Roux said in a statement.
"By the time the tournament comes round it will be 28 years since Nelson Mandela handed the trophy to Francois Pienaar.
"I believe South Africa is hungry to once again host rugby's greatest occasion," said Roux.
"The 1995 Rugby 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."
Twice world champions South Africa boast an abundance of Test-standard stadiums, including Ellis Park in Johannesburg.
It was there in 1995 that an extra-time Joel Stransky drop-goal gave South Africa a 15-12 victory over fiercest rivals New Zealand in a dramatic final.
Ireland are among those who have also expressed a desire to host the tournament.
England (2015) and Japan (2019) will stage the next two Rugby World Cup tournaments.
The 2023 hosts will be named in May 2017.
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