Will Middle East money transform World Cup?

WHEN Japan won the rights to host the 2019 Rugby World Cup, I wasn't too excited.

- ASHFAK MOHAMED

The decision was made in July 2009, with England chosen for the 2015 edition and Japan four years later.

While Japan had competed in previous tournaments, they were far from a 'real' rugby nation at that stage.

Yet, they broke all sorts of records in every respect of the event as they staged arguably the most successful RWC of all time.

Of course, it held special significance for South Africans as Siya Kolisi went on to lift the Webb Ellis Cup in 2019 and it was doubly memorable personally as I was at the Yokohama Stadium on that unforgettable night, having been honoured to be part of the Rugby News Service team for the tournament website as the reporter on the Springboks.

Now, the latest rumour is that the 2035 Rugby World Cup could be held in another unfamiliar location.

The Times of London reported this week that Rugby Asia is backing a bid from Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates to welcome the Boks, All Blacks and other powerhouses to the Middle East in 10 years' time.