Only last month there was a growing consensus that Ireland had put together a robust enough bid that would impress World Rugby in the chase to beat France and South Africa to the right to host the 2023 World Cup.
But alas this week, the recommendations placed Ireland third and last in most of the categories, essentially striking a huge blow to the chances of bringing the tournament to these shores.
Brian O'Driscoll has played his part in the bid to bring the World Cup to Ireland and speaking to Ger and Dave on tonight's show, the Ireland and Leinster legend acknowledges that it has become more difficult now after this week but that not all hope is lost.
"The fight isn't given up yet. Yes, we're very much on the back-burner at the moment with regards to being three of three and we haven't been helped today with New Zealand saying that they're going to vote along with World Rugby's recommendations and undoubtedly we're up against it," he said.
"But why would you pack in two years' worth of work and not continue going hard for another two weeks?"
And he also pointed out that the gap to South Africa and France is not necessarily insurmountable given the fine margins.
"We've fallen down in a few areas. We're not a million miles behind," he said.
"As Kevin Potts, who's been the lead on this mentioned, we're still a viable option. It wasn't a case that we were completely discredited as a non-viable option, which is something and we should take some satisfaction that we've delivered a good bid where we're still in a place where we can still host a good World Cup."
And if 2023, could 2027 be another option for Ireland to make a serious case for. O'Driscoll pointed out that all factors would need to be considered before committing to an official bid including finances and politics.
"We needed to land this (2023) and then we didn't and we might get another go. But is it in four years? I don't think so, right now, but you reevaluate after the decision on November 15th."
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