2023 Rugby World Cup bids following four nations by the deadline of 15 June 2015: After hosting the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan, World Rugby may look to host the tournament in the sports' 'heartlands', leaving South Africa and Ireland as favourites. South Africa was considered one of the frontrunners to host the 2023 competition, having hosted the 1995 tournament and bid unsuccessfully for the right to host the 2011, 2015, and 2019 tournaments. In April 2016 the South African government banned its own rugby union from bidding to stage the 2023 World Cup over its failure to provide enough opportunities for black players.
Namibia at the Rugby World Cup Namibia at the Rugby World Cup Namibia has competed in five Rugby World Cup tournaments, having qualified as the African representative. The Namibian rugby union team, nicknamed the "Welwitschias" after the Namibian national symbol, made their first appearance at the Rugby World Cup in 1999 and appeared at the following four tournaments. Namibia has so far played 19 games at that cup without ever winning one. Namibia's best match result was in 2015 when they lost to Georgia by a single point. So far Namibia has not hosted any World Cup games. Namibia has received some ignominy for being on