South Africa qualifies for Touch Rugby World Cup. Players don’t have money to go

Clarence Ford speaks to Murshid Obaray of South Africa's Touch Boks.

Obaray says there is a lack of enthusiasm for touch rugby from organisations like World Rugby and South Africa's Department of Sport.

He says touch rugby players and fans are frustrated in their quest to make South Africa internationally renowned in the sport.

South Africa's touch rugby team has qualified to play in the '2024 Touch World Cup' between July 15 and 21 in Nottingham, England - the game's biggest tournament, held every four years.

However, touch players won't be able to represent South Africa in the Touch World Cup because each position is self-funded and costs a minimum of R75 000, which most qualifying players can't afford. 

Obaray says the team needs funding from people like Gayton McKenzie, South Africa's Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture, and sponsorships from organisations like major corporates.

"We've got nobody coming forward to say, how can we put our name forward to help our players get there and perform with top teams in the world? If you can't afford to play, you lose your spot in a world cup representing South Africa, which can be a once in a lifetime event."

- Murshid Obaray, South Africa's Touch Boks

Obaray says he has unsuccessfully lobbied the previous Minister of Sports and various corporates.

He is calling on McKenzie and anyone else willing to help with sponsorships for the team.

Obaray believes Touch Rugby should be seen as 'valuable' in finding the 'next Springboks' because it takes skills and speed to make it as a touch player, and these can be transferred to Rugby 7s and the 15-person game. 

"Surely there should be some sort of effort from our sports ministry or major corporates to involve themselves with this? So far, there have been no response from rugby unions or the previous Minister of Sports but they need to come to the party."

- Murshid Obaray, South Africa's Touch Boks

If you or anyone would like to sponsor South Africa's mixed male and female Touch Rugby Team, call Obaray on 083 250 7863.

Scroll up to the audio player to listen to the full conversation.