RWC2023: Equity Sports disappointed with decision to host African Qualifiers in France

More disappointment has continued to trickle in concerning Rugby Afrique’s controversial and shocking decision to stage the African qualifiers for the Rugby World Cup 2023 in France despite ‘strong bids’ from able African countries.

In a statement released on Monday, the African rugby governing body issued a statement confirming the ridiculous decision to stage Rugby Africa 2022 - the last qualifying round for Rugby World Cup – in France.

In the continuing bursts of outcry, Equity Sport, an international equality, diversity and equal opportunity charity, has become the latest party to join in condemning the decision by Rugby Afrique to have France host the African qualifiers for the showpiece event.

“The international equality, diversity and equal opportunity charity, equitysport are disappointed and concerned by the decision by Rugby Africa's Executive Committee to play the African 2023 Rugby World Cup qualifiers in France. The confusing decision to host an African tournament in Western Europe not only deprives potential local hosts from much-needed revenue streams that could expedite the ongoing development of the sport and equal opportunity in Africa, but it also risks arresting potential growth in fan engagement for African supporters of rugby,” the statement read.

Tim Harper, Founder and Executive Director at equitysport added his frustration, terming the decision ‘disappointing if not laughable’ to a continent that has hosted global events such as The Safari Rally, World Athletics U20 Championships and even Rugby Africa World Cup Qualifiers.

"Too often, we hear terms like ‘international standards’ in global sport, when what is meant is, ‘European expectations’, and all too often we hear those in positions of power use out-dated insinuations and suggestions about threats to security and safety when talking about Africa. Frankly, it beggars belief that a continent that in 2021 alone has hosted the African Nations Championship, the World Men's Handball Championships, the African Volleyball Championships, the African & Oceania Wrestling Olympic Qualification Tournament, the African Wrestling Championships, the Cadet World Fencing Championships, the Women's Indoor Africa Cup, the African Judo Championships, the African Weightlifting Championships, the Africa Beach Soccer Cup of Nations, the El Gouna International, the Tour du Rwanda, the Safari Rally, the African Taekwondo Championships, the CAF Champions League, Afrobasket 2021, the World Athletics U20 Championships, the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers, the Women's Cricket World Cup Qualifier and the FIH Junior Hockey World Cup amongst others, is deemed not to have the capacity to host the Rugby Africa World Cup Qualifiers.

If this wasn't so disappointing, it would be laughable," he said.