Rugby's governing body World Rugby have today confirmed that four countries applied before the deadline to host the Rugby World Cup in 2023. Ireland will be joined in the bidding process by Italy, France and South Africa. The United States had stated interest in hosting the event but decided not to proceed with bidding for the event.
World Rugby Chairman Bernard Lapasset said: “We are delighted with the strong level of Rugby World Cup 2023 hosting interest from unions and governments, which highlights the enormous appeal of Rugby World Cup as a low-risk, high-return economic, social and sporting driver. We look forward to further detailed dialogue as the process progresses."
“Although USA Rugby ultimately decided not to proceed with a formal bid, it was very encouraging that they originally had expressed an interest in hosting rugby’s flagship tournament. In the end, they decided to focus instead on other upcoming projects, not least the hosting of Rugby World Cup Sevens 2018, but they are an ambitious and progressive union and I have no doubt they will bid to host Rugby World Cup at some point in the future.”
The 2023 host nation will be announced in just under two years time, guaranteeing a six year preparation for the host nation. South Africa have previously hosted the event in 1995 and France were the most recent European hosts in 2007. Ireland and Italy have yet to host the event.
It was announced in May this year that former Tanaiste Dick Spring is the Chairman of Ireland's bid committee with Brian O'Driscoll acting as a Ambassador for Ireland's 2023 bid.
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