Wear your green in support of #SA2023
South Africans are being urged to wear green in support of the country's bid to host the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
World Rugby has already announced that South Africa is the preferred candidate to host the rugby spectacular.
The final decision will be made when the World Rugby Council votes for the host nation on the 15th of November in London.
Supporters are being urged to wear their Springbok jerseys or green on three days this month to help push the country's bid over the finish line.
NOW READ: 2023 Rugby World Cup: SA could receive billions
Fans are being encouraged to wear green tomorrow, next week Friday and again on the day of the vote (Wednesday 15 November).
South Africa is up against France and Ireland to host the event. The Rugby World Cup in 2019 will be hosted by Japan.
Minister of Sport and Recreation, Thulas Nxesi says the country is in touching distance of realising the long-held dream to host the tournament for a second time.
"We we cannot falter just short of the finishing line and we need to send a clear message to the World Rugby Council that South Africa is ready and excited to host the most memorable Rugby World Cup tournament there has ever been. That is why we are calling on all South Africans to unite behind this wonderful, nation-building event that will also bring significant economic, emotional and inspirational benefits to our country," he said.
ALSO READ: 10 years since 2007 RWC victory
South Africa hosted the Rugby World Cup for the first time in 1995, winning the tournament at home.
SA Rugby president, Mark Alexander says there is no more visible way of showing the nation's support than wearing the team's colours.
"We want to turn green the factories, the schools, shops and offices and malls of South Africa each week to underline the message to the Rugby World Cup board that South Africa is the best choice to host the 2023 tournament. There are now just two weeks to go until the final decision and we are asking the country to get behind us in this scrum and help push us over the line," he said.
Those eligible to vote in the secret ballot on the 15th of November are:
Australia (3 votes)
England (3)
New Zealand (3)
Scotland (3)
Wales (3)
Italy (3)
Argentina (3)
Canada (1)
Japan (2)
Georgia (1)
Romania (1)
USA (1)
Asia Rugby (2)
Oceania Rugby (2)
Rugby Africa (2)
Rugby Americas North (2)
Rugby Europe (2)
Sudamerica Rugby (2)
The final decision is expected to be announced at approximately 1pm (SA time) on 15 November.
Rugby World Cup host nations (and winning team):
1987: New Zealand and Australia (New Zealand)
1991: England, Wales, Scotland, France and Ireland (Australia)
1995: South Africa (South Africa)
1999: Wales (Australia)
2003: Australia (England)
2007: France (South Africa)
2011: New Zealand (New Zealand)
2015: England (New Zealand)
2019: Japan
The final decision will be made when the World Rugby Council votes for the host nation on the 15th of November in London.
Supporters are being urged to wear their Springbok jerseys or green on three days this month to help push the country's bid over the finish line.
NOW READ: 2023 Rugby World Cup: SA could receive billions
Fans are being encouraged to wear green tomorrow, next week Friday and again on the day of the vote (Wednesday 15 November).
South Africa is up against France and Ireland to host the event. The Rugby World Cup in 2019 will be hosted by Japan.
Minister of Sport and Recreation, Thulas Nxesi says the country is in touching distance of realising the long-held dream to host the tournament for a second time.
"We we cannot falter just short of the finishing line and we need to send a clear message to the World Rugby Council that South Africa is ready and excited to host the most memorable Rugby World Cup tournament there has ever been. That is why we are calling on all South Africans to unite behind this wonderful, nation-building event that will also bring significant economic, emotional and inspirational benefits to our country," he said.
ALSO READ: 10 years since 2007 RWC victory
South Africa hosted the Rugby World Cup for the first time in 1995, winning the tournament at home.
SA Rugby president, Mark Alexander says there is no more visible way of showing the nation's support than wearing the team's colours.
"We want to turn green the factories, the schools, shops and offices and malls of South Africa each week to underline the message to the Rugby World Cup board that South Africa is the best choice to host the 2023 tournament. There are now just two weeks to go until the final decision and we are asking the country to get behind us in this scrum and help push us over the line," he said.
Those eligible to vote in the secret ballot on the 15th of November are:
Australia (3 votes)
England (3)
New Zealand (3)
Scotland (3)
Wales (3)
Italy (3)
Argentina (3)
Canada (1)
Japan (2)
Georgia (1)
Romania (1)
USA (1)
Asia Rugby (2)
Oceania Rugby (2)
Rugby Africa (2)
Rugby Americas North (2)
Rugby Europe (2)
Sudamerica Rugby (2)
The final decision is expected to be announced at approximately 1pm (SA time) on 15 November.
Rugby World Cup host nations (and winning team):
1987: New Zealand and Australia (New Zealand)
1991: England, Wales, Scotland, France and Ireland (Australia)
1995: South Africa (South Africa)
1999: Wales (Australia)
2003: Australia (England)
2007: France (South Africa)
2011: New Zealand (New Zealand)
2015: England (New Zealand)
2019: Japan