South African Rugby Union (SARU) CEO Jurie Roux has been vocal about his country’s determination to host the Rugby World Cup in 2023.

The head of SA Rugby was speaking from a World Rugby briefing session in London, at which a South African delegation showed their intention be considered for the hosting responsibility, alongside other countries who are hoping to host the tournament, including Italy, France, USA and Ireland.

The delegation is made up of Roux, sports minister Fikile Mbalula and president of the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (Sascoc), Gideon Sam.

The SARU CEO mentioned that he was pleased with gravity of the team that he had brought to London.

“It was an extremely useful session and has redoubled our determination to bring the tournament back to South Africa for the first time since 1995,” said Roux, according to SuperSport.

“The fact that our delegation included South Africa’s sports minister and the leader of all our sports federations shows how serious we are about compiling a bid that will be irresistible to World Rugby,” he added.

“We know there will be stiff competition, having bid for the past three tournaments to be awarded, but we also know we have a compelling offering for the world game and its followers: a tournament set against a backdrop of a stunning landscapes in magnificent stadiums against a passionate and knowledgeable audience.

“We believe there is no other ‘tour’ like a South African rugby tour and we want the world to experience it once more,” the CEO said.