The Rugby Championship moves to Johannesburg to mark the ‘Nelson Mandela Sports Day’
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Loading...SANZAR advises that the South Africa v Argentina match scheduled to be played at Vodacom Park, Bloemfontein on Saturday 17 August has been moved to FNB Stadium in Johannesburg to form part of a unique initiative spearheaded by the national departments of Sport and Recreation South Africa and Arts & Culture, which aims to honour the legacy of Nelson Mandela.
The Rugby Championship clash moves back two hours to a 5:00pm kick-off (12pm ARG, 1am AUS, 3am NZ) and will be preceded by an international soccer friendly between South Africa and Burkina Faso kicking off at 1:30pm, as well as a concert and other cultural activities.
Speaking at the launch of the government-led initiative, South African Rugby Union President (SARU) Mr Oregan Hoskins said, “I cannot think of a better way for us as sports people to honour the legacy of Nelson Mandela than putting two of South Africa’s most popular sports, with contrasting cultural heritages, on to the same field on the same day.
“Madiba is an inspiration for so many people around the world, not only in South Africa. SARU and the Springboks are extremely honoured to be involved in a programme that will honour his legacy.
Argentine Rugby Union President Mr Luis Castillo said, “We are very proud to be able to take part in a very special day like this to honour Nelson Mandela.
“In 2008 we also played in a special Test to commemorate his 90th birthday in Johannesburg and it will be a privilege for us to honour him in this way, in the next game between the Pumas and our South Africans brothers.”
SANZAR CEO Mr Greg Peters said, “SANZAR is supportive of the forthcoming Nelson Mandela Sports Day and believe it will prove a momentous occasion for the Republic of South Africa.”
“We sincerely thank the South African Government and South African Rugby Union for maintaining open channels of communication and ensuring all stakeholders remained informed throughout the planning process.”
Tickets are priced from R220 to R550 and will be available from Computicket outlets on Monday 8 July.
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