NO ALARMS, NO surprises. World Rugby this evening confirmed the successful delivery of bids to host the Rugby World Cup 2023 from France, South Africa and Ireland.
With the governing body’s offices in south Dublin, the Irish bid took the opportunity to whip up some public fervour by parading their way from Lansdowne Road to World Rugby House to publicly hand over their candidature file, a 990-page tome which the Union describes as:
“A massively detailed document in which the Irish bid team chronicles Ireland’s outstanding attributes as a host for the Rugby World Cup in 2023, including all the key government commitments required by World Rugby.”
Away they go
Clodagh O’Connor points the way
Reports yesterday had suggested a last-minute hiccup as emergency legislation would be needed to complete the bid. However, IRFU chief executive Philip Browne insists the need for further government cooperation is a positive when speaking to 98FM today.
“The form of guarantees was received relatively recently and obviously in order to put those guarantees into effect it will require legislation.
“I see it as a entirely positive thing in many ways, it really copper fastens the government support and the support of the nation for this bid and for hosting the tournament.”
Another bridge crossed then
Meanwhile, in a Baggot Street cafe
All three of the bidding nations delivered their candidature files in person as well as uploading a soft copy via a secure portal.
This was Ireland’s delivery
France’s was a little lower key
Though with Sebastien Chabal knocking on the door, who could say no?
Antrim lad Alex Place helped deliver the dossier
The World Rugby Council will come to a decision on which bid has won the right to host the 2023 Rugby World Cup on 15 November.
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