SA Rugby reportedly has shelved plans to host the 2035 Rugby World Cup as the cost of the required guarantee is too high.

According to Sunday newspaper Rapport, SA Rugby has been deterred from entering a bid due to both the cost of the required guarantee, as well as their experience of a fickle World Rugby bidding process.

A source told Rapport that when SA Rugby unsuccessfully bid for the 2023 World Cup, government was required to provide a guarantee of R300 million, and the 2035 guarantee would thus be far too expensive.

South Africa hosted the 1995 World Cup, arguably the most compelling in tournament history, and have the lifted the trophy an unprecedented four times.

SA Rugby is reportedly also discouraged by the experience of bidding for the 2023 edition.

Despite South Africa earning first place in the technical review of the potential hosts, the matter went to a round of anonymous voting and France emerged as shock winners.

The next two editions of the tournament in 2027 and 2031 will be hosted by Australia and the United States respectively.

Photo: EPA/YOAN VALAT