Lochner Marais, a professor of Development Studies at the University of the Free State, made a few calculations to estimate the boost the big game may give Bloemfontein’s economy.

He said the approximate amount the local economy can be expected to be boosted with amounts to between R120 en R150 million.

“This includes the ticket prices and the main benefits to the hospitality and restaurant industry, since most hotels and guest houses are fully booked,” he said.

“Bloemfontein’s economy depends on many factors and many small events, these events are helpful for a few months, especially after Covid. The rugby game may not completely change the economy and in the bigger scheme of things, a R300 million injection into the Bloemfontein economy is very small, and the city needs many more activities, big or small, to contribute vastly,” he added.

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He further added that a mere trip to Bloemfontein coincides many other factors included in such a trip, for example petrol expenses, clothes that may be bought, and food for the weekend spent in town.

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