President Michael D Higgins has been canvassing support for Ireland's 2023 Rugby World Cup bid on his state visit to Australia, saying the event would have an enormously positive impact for the country.
Speaking at the Australian Rugby Union Headquarters in Sydney, Mr Higgins said a successful bid would benefit the sporting community and wider society.
He called on the Irish diaspora in Australia to engage in the effort to secure the tournament, in the weeks leading up to the bid decision next month.
Mr Higgins said Ireland’s rugby tradition was strong and he was confident that every possible issue had been addressed in the formation of the bid document.
He said the support of the authorities on both sides of the border was important.
Mr Higgins also said that there was "something very significant" in that GAA grounds would be used to host matches, in the event of a successful bid.
He said he had mentioned the bid in discussions during his visit with Australia's Governor General, Sir Peter Cosgrove, as well as with state leaders in different parts of the country.
Mr Higgins said he was "quietly confident" about the prospect of success and that he was unashamedly seeking support for the bid during his State visit to Australia and New Zealand.
