HARARE, Zimbabwe (AP) — Once again, Africa is home to the Rugby World Cup champion.
The Springboks beat New Zealand in an epic final on Saturday in Paris, winning back-to-back titles.
But a South Africa led by charismatic captain Siya Kolisi isn’t a true representation of African rugby.
Outside of South Africa, African rugby struggles to be competitive, and is a gold mine of talent without the means to unearth it.
Rugby Africa president Herbert Mensah welcomed the decision this week to expand the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia from 20 teams to 24. That could mean Africa receiving a second extra qualifying berth. But he warned that a second berth will not help grow the game in Africa or make African countries competitive unless it comes with the right support.
“We are a continent of 1.4 billion people, with some of the most talented athletes in the world.
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