Share

Bok Test at CT Stadium 'long overdue'

Cape Town - Cape Town Stadium could be set for its first ever rugby Test match. 

That was confirmed by city mayor Patricia de Lille on Thursday ahead of this weekend's Cape Town leg of the 2016/17 Sevens World Series, due to take place at the 2010 FIFA World Cup venue. 

It is the second year in a row that Cape Town Stadium will host the Sevens, but listening to De Lille speaking, there could be even bigger plans for the venue. 

"We are negotiating with SA Rugby to host a Springbok Test ... it should have happened a long time ago," De Lille said.

"Most locals are rugby supporters and they deserve a better stadium than Newlands. Ideally, we want all future games to be played at the Cape Town Stadium."

De Lille even went so far as to say that they would looking to secure Western Province as an "anchor tenant" at the stadium, while a municipal entity would be formed to manage the stadium and "have the freedom to source events, manage the stadium and run the stadium". 

The Western Province Rugby Union (WPRU) is in financial turmoil after applying for liquidation last month as its multi-million Rand legal battle with former commercial rights partner Aerios continues. 

At the announcement of that liquidation last month, WPRU president Thelo Wakefield said that the union would have a busy November as they looked for ways to recuperate funds.  

Other plans for the stadium to generate income, De Lille said, revolved around naming rights for the stadium, turning the second floor onto commercial space and letting out the parking space surrounding the ground. 

This weekend's Sevens action take place on Saturday and Sunday. 

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
26% - 1272 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
30% - 1470 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2241 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE