South Africa will bid to host the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
The South African Rugby Union will now seek approval from the country's Olympic committee and government, with the bidding process opening in May.
"We definitely expect to be bidding to host the 2023 Rugby World Cup as we have for the past three tournaments," SARU CEO Jurie Roux said in a statement.
"By the time the tournament comes round it will be 28 years since Nelson Mandela handed the trophy to Francois Pienaar and I believe that South Africa is hungry to once again host rugby's greatest occasion.
"The 1995 Rugby World Cup and the 2010 FIFA World Cup were magnificent occasions for our nation and for the respective sports and the prospect of being able to repeat those unforgettable occasions is very exciting."
South Africa will face competition from Ireland, with the winner to be announced in May 2017.
Jonathan McIntosh
