The Irish Rugby World Cup 2023 delegation team says it is confident it “can mount a winning bid” as World Rugby confirmed a three-way battle for the tournament.
After Italy dropped out of the running last month, the world governing body today officially confirmed Ireland, France and South Africa as host candidates.
The Italians formally withdrew from the process after the union confirmed it could not guarantee government support with its bid being linked to Rome 2024.
"I remain convinced that Ireland can mount a winning bid for what is one of the great occasions on the world sporting calendar"
World Rugby Chairman Bill Beaumont today commented on the “three strong and impressive applications” which will be reviewed in detail by a specialist technical review group and independently assessed.
Dick Spring, chairman of Ireland's RWC 2023 Bid Oversight Board paid tribute to the support received for the bid and remains hopeful that their bid will emerge victorious.
“We very much welcome the formal announcement from World Rugby that Ireland's application to host the Rugby World Cup in 2023 has progressed to the final phase,” he said.
“Significant work has already been undertaken in the preparation of Ireland's bid and this will continue apace as we enter this next phase.
“Given the level of support to date from all quarters including Governments, North and South, sporting organisations, in particular the GAA, and indeed the general public, I remain convinced that Ireland can mount a winning bid for what is one of the great occasions on the world sporting calendar.”
