The race to host the 2035 and 2039 Rugby World Cups has begun with multiple countries expressing interest, notably Spain and Italy. Japan is considered for another hosting after its first in 2019. Meanwhile, South Africa has opted out, citing economic struggles and the complexities involved in hosting such an event. SA Rugby president Mark Alexander emphasized the challenges facing the nation and the responsibilities towards the government. Past missteps in the bidding process have left South Africa feeling regretful, as reflected by player Damian de Allende's sentiments about losing the opportunity to host and win the World Cup at home.
It just brings so many other challenges to the country, he said. People think it is just a sports event but so many other things have to be activated.
It's heartbreaking, it was in our hands and it got taken away from us. I know we won the World Cup last year but it would have been a lot more special to have hosted it and won it.
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