Support 2011 rugby bid: Pienaar
5 September 2005
"The prize is big - a direct injection of R8-billion into the economy, jobs, tourism growth - and we will not rest until we have brought this event back to Africa."
So writes former Springbok captain Francois Pienaar in the London-based SA Times, urging the South African community in the UK to support SA's bid to host the Rugby World Cup for a second time, in 2011.
Support SA's bid
South Africans in the UK can show their support for the country's 2011 World Cup bid by e-mailing bid2011@yahoo.co.uk.
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"Athletes often say the 1 500m is the most tactical of all the Olympic track events," Pienaar writes. "Every move, every break must be
perfectly timed to be effective. Almost midway through this current contest, the race to host the IRB Rugby World Cup feels the same.
"The general perception seems to be that, with three months left before the IRB decision in November, Japan, New Zealand and South Africa remain closely grouped. No candidate is storming ahead, and nobody is lagging behind.
"I'm happy with this situation. Our proposition is that, in 2011, South Africa will be uniquely positioned to stage the best Rugby World Cup ever, taking rugby union to a new level worldwide, and I'm content that our case is being well received around the globe.
"At the outset of this campaign, we identified four specific phases in the race, something like the four laps of the 1 500m race. Our plan was, and remains, to set our own pace, pursue our own strategy and, of course, to cross the line first in November.
"The first phase was to produce an outstanding Bid Book. I believe we have achieved this goal. Ever
since our official book launch in Johannesburg, prior to our deadline day delivery to the IRB in Dublin, we have been told that our comprehensive and readable tender document raises all the standards.
"The second clearly identified phase, which occupied us for much of May and June, was to meet and lobby individual council members of the International Rugby Board, the men who will gather and make the eventual decision in November.
"This intensive dash around a small world was both productive and profoundly encouraging. Our case is strong, our presentations have been well received, and the signs are positive.
"Our travel schedules have been as tight as bathwater, although the lobbying team, variously comprised of SA Rugby Union president Brian van Rooyen, bid chairperson Mthobi Tyamzashe and myself have kept up the pace, making meetings and catching flights.
"We began in Europe, with five meetings in five days: England on Monday, Ireland on Tuesday, Scotland on
Wednesday, Wales on Thursday and France on the Friday.
"Our second trip took us east, to Hong Kong on Monday, Sydney on Tuesday, Brisbane on Wednesday and back to yet another meeting in Sydney on the Thursday before flying home.
"Then, we headed west, to Buenos Aires on Wednesday and Paris on the Thursday evening, and, this week, we plan to spend Thursday in Rome and Friday in London.
"At each meeting, our message is clear and consistent: that, to stage a successful IRB Rugby World Cup, a prospective host must provide two elements - the passion to fill the stands and generate revenue, and infrastructure and stadiums worthy of a global event.
"Our submission is that South Africa has both.
"We have recently completed phase three of the campaign, by hosting a successful IRB evaluation tour; and, now, we face the fourth and last phase ... another round of lobbying around the world.
"It is indeed a small world, but the prize is big - a direct injection
of R8-billion into the economy, jobs, tourism growth - and we will not rest until we have brought this event back to Africa."
Source: South Africa Times
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