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Cape Town - World Rugby CEO Brett Gosper believes South Africa's ban from hosting major tournaments won't hinder its World Cup bidding process.
South Africa is one of three nations competing to host the 2023 Rugby World Cup, along with Ireland and France.
But South Africa is currently banned from hosting major tournaments after failing for years to meet its transformation targets. Sports Minister Fikile Mbalula imposed the ban, to urge SA Rugby to take transformation seriously.
Gosper, however, doesn't believe this will be an issue with South Africa applying to host prestigious event.
"All of those are very strong candidates and we see don’t see the issue with South Africa moving forward with the process," Gosper told The 42.ie.
"The issues that may have been there in the beginning are not proving to be an obstacle.
"There’s an ability to manage that situation as we move to about 12 months (from when bidding started) from now. Our belief is that, that’s fine as far as the candidature of South Africa is concerned.
"We think it won’t be an obstacle to them bidding with the other two countries."
SA Rugby president Mark Alexander said last month he was he was confident racial transformation targets would be met.
"We have made good racial transformation progress this year although we know more work needs to be done," stressed Alexander.
"I am confident of a favourable report from the government, enabling us to continue our bid for an event that could have a tremendous impact on all South Africans."
