On November 15th, 2017, Ireland will find out if they are to host the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
In 1991 and 1999, Ireland has hosted games in Rugby World Cups, but the country has never acted as sole hosts. Together with 1995 hosts South Africa and 2007 hosts France, the three nations are looking to welcome the rugby world to their shores in seven years time.
Last week, the IRFU, with the help of governments both north and south of the border launched the bid in Dublin. 12 stadia are part of the bid, including eight GAA grounds in all four provinces.
The bid is led by former Tanaiste Dick Spring. The former Labour leader played three times for Ireland in the 1970s, in a career where he also played for Munster.
Ready For The World. Liam Neeson narrates Ireland's bid to host Rugby World Cup 2023 #Ireland2023 pic.twitter.com/zcZGBqsnO0
— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) November 15, 2016
Speaking on Monday to The Pat Kenny Show, Mr. Spring said that the infrastructure is already there for a successful bid. Only Pairc Ui Chaoimh and Casement Park are to be rebuilt. Games will be held both north and south of the border, and the bid has support from all sides, the former Tanaiste added.
"We're backed very strongly. Led by the Taoiseach [Enda Kenny] down here, and led by [First Minister] Arlene Foster and [Deputy-First Minister] Martin McGuinness in the north. Absolute support to do this on an all-island basis".
"One of our great strengths is the compact nature of this island. You wont be more than two hours away from a game... We're forecasting that we will get the most-ever travellers to come to Ireland for a World Cup. We're talking 440,000 travellers".
While both France and South Africa have strong bids, Mr. Spring added that the bid team will focus on what Ireland can bring to the table in regards to hosting the event.
Philip Browne, CEO of the IRFU, Brian O'Driscoll, Bid Ambassador and Dick Spring, Chairman of Ireland's RWC 2023 Bid Oversight Board. Mandatory Credit ©INPHO/Dan Sheridan
"Our strategy is to put our best forward...We've got to prove to the World Rugby council that we can stage the tournament."
The Brexit vote, and the threat of a hard border between Northern Ireland and the rest of the country should not pose any issues he added.
"We will deal with Brexit as it falls. I don't think there will be difficulties with transport on the island of Ireland, or between Ireland and the UK in 2023."
There is less than a year to go until the 2023 hosts are named. If Ireland were to win, it would undoubtedly be the biggest sporting event ever staged in Ireland.
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