Royal Stadium to host Rugby match

Rustenburg,South Africa – The Royal Bafokeng Sports Palace will for the first time in its history host an international rugby match. The facility is one of the 10 stadiums chosen to host the FIFA Soccer World Cup in 2010.

In a highly billed test match, the Springboks will lock horns with All Blacks of New Zealand in a Vodacom Tri-Nations clash on 2 September.

The local Leopard Rugby Union is partnering with the Royal Bafokeng Holdings in hosting this match.

A few changes will be made to “level the playing field”.

This will include laying on artificial grass to cover the area outside the touchline. Rugby poles will also be erected.

Director of Royal Bafokeng Holdings, Tshepo Kgage says they are taking the match seriously.

“It’s a test between the two oldest foes in world rugby. We are proud to host this historic match and will pull out all the stops to ensure its success”.

Hotels, guest houses, bread and breakfast accommodation facilities are reportedly fully booked.

Leopards Rugby Union CEO Andries Carstens said this was not only a big match for the Union but also the entire Leopards region.

“The people of Rustenburg and the surrounding areas are excited at the prospect of playing host to these two great teams. I am sure that everyone who attends will experience local hospitality at its best.”

Safety measures have been stepped up and over 450 security officers will be deployed in and around the stadium on the day of the match.

The Sports Palace has hosted major football clashes in the country. Arch rivals, Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates have on several occasions battled it out on the field.

Organisers have appealed to fans to adhere to all traffic signs and respect traffic officials and marshals on the day of the match. – BuaNews