The IRFU today officially launched its bid to host the 2023 Rugby World Cup and even released a wonderful promo video to get behind the bid.
Ireland have entered the 'Candidate' phase of the selection and today the IRFU put forward the stadiums which they hope will host the competition in seven years time.
The GAA has placed its grounds at the disposal of the tournament which the IRFU describe as a "key factor in Ireland's ability to bid for the tournament".
Currently there are 12 potential venues on Ireland's 'Long List', ultimately reducing to eight to 10 venues for the tournament staging.
These are the stadiums which have been put forward to host the tournament.
Here's the stadiums that would be used in #RugbyWorldCup2023 Incl. Celtic Park, Fitzgerald Stadium and McHale Park pic.twitter.com/8vSKLTyNZM
— Sean Defoe (@SeanDefoe) November 15, 2016
In a statement today the IRFU project that the tournament 'would be worth more than €800m to the economy of the island" taking into account the 445,000 visitors predicted to travel to Ireland for the tournament.
The selection process will run from now until November 2017, when World Rugby will decide on the successful candidate to host the 2023 Rugby World Cup and final proposals will be submitted in June.
A presentation for World Rugby is scheduled for October.
The 'Long List' (capacity)
Croke Park (83,200)
Aviva Stadium (51,711)
RDS Arena (18,677)
Nowlan Park (26,000)
Pairc Ui Chaoimh (45,770)
Thomond Park (26,897)
FitzGerald Stadium (38,200)
Pearse Stadium (34,000)
McHale Park (31,000)
Casement Park (34,500)
Kingspan Stadium (18,168)
Celtic Park (17,000)
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