JOHANNESBURG, Nov. 12 (Xinhua) -- South African deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa will be off to London on Monday where the announcement of the Rugby World Cup 2023 host venue will be announced.
The deputy president will lead South Africa team to the World Rugby Council in London, where the announcement is expected on Wednesday.
President Jacob Zuma has urged the country to rally behind the bid committee ahead of the announcement.
South Africa has been tipped to land the bid to host the tournament, named as the "clear leader" and "unanimous" choice of the Rugby World Cup board to host the event.
The country is competing against France and Ireland which have been rated second and third respectively.
Ramaphosa's spokesperson Tyrone Seale confirmed to Xinhua on Sunday that the South Africa team will be led by the deputy president, "The final decision rests with 26 World Rugby Council members who collectively exercise 39 votes and among whom a simple majority is required to secure a hosting right," Seale said.
In May, Jurie Roux, chief executive of SA Rugby, and Ahlangene Cyprian Sigcau, South African ambassador to Ireland, revealed a 827-page document giving their case for hosting the tournament.
South Africa last hosted the tournament in 1995, scoring an epic 15-12 extra time win against New Zealand in the final at Ellis Park in Johannesburg.
It is estimated that hosting the 2023 Rugby World Cup will inject about R27 billion into South Africa's economy.
