The sport diplomacy of rugby union in South-Africa 

THE SPORT DIPLOMACY  OF RUGBY UNION IN SOUTH-AFRICA 

Introduction

This thesis will focus on the sport diplomacy of rugby in South Africa. The sports diplomacy^[1]of rugby and its geopolitical aspect is an area of research that has received little in-depth study, unlike the Olympic Games or football, for example. This can be explained by the fact that the professionalization of rugby is quite recent in contrast to disciplines such as the Olympic Games. The purpose of this thesis is in line with the current course of my studies. In addition, this field of study is part of the logical continuation of my university studies in the field of International Management of Sport and Tourism.

The scope of this thesis will focus mainly on the sport diplomacy of rugby union in South Africa from the post-partheid period until today.

In order to achieve this thesis, it is important to take into account the historical elements, sociological, economic and political of the South African rugby union in order to have a better understanding of the world in its generality but also of the challenges of transformation of the South African rugby union in a context of globalization and geopolitics of sport.

Today, sport is broadcast and practised on a global scale. Sport is at the heart of the logic of globalization and is the direct expression of its functioning. The European continent dominates the world of sport. Indeed, most of the sports practiced in the world are of British origin. Rugby is a discipline affected by globalization that has evolved over the years, although this discipline is essentially dominated by the great powers of the North, the opposition between the powers of the North and those of the South is called into question by the emergence of emerging countries. These emerging countries include South Africa.

The European continent dominates the world of sport. Indeed, most of the sports practiced in the world are of British origin. Rugby is a discipline affected by globalization that has evolved over the years, although this discipline is essentially dominated by the great powers of the North, the opposition between the powers of the North and those of the South is called into question by the emergence of emerging countries such as South Africa. Indeed, rugby union generates many hopes, especially political, social and economic. Organising a sporting event such as the Rugby Union in South Africa makes it possible to highlight this discipline as a growth relay. It also exposes its political and economic power to the rest of the world.

South Africa is a territory at the southern end of the African continent, known for the existence of diverse cultures within the territory.

Sport plays an important role in South African culture. Rugby union is one of the country’s most popular sports. Rugby currently has 464,4777 affiliates, including 446,821 men’s players. Rugby owes its origin to England in 1823, in the colleges that formed the British elite society . At the end of the XIX century, rugby union was able to develop in Anglo-Saxon countries like South Africa. The development of this sport is due to South Africa’s colonial past with England. The rugby union is a reference sport within South African society and its culture, indeed, it is an emblematic symbol of national heritage.

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