THE OVERSIGHT BOARD for Ireland’s bid to host the 2023 Rugby World Cup has been named today with former Ireland captain Brian O’Driscoll named as bid ambassador.
A statement from the IRFU today says the board will approve bid strategy and oversee progress to ensure a “world class” bid is presented.
Former Tánaiste Dick Spring has been appointed chairman, with Dr David Dobbin of the Dale Farm group and the IRFU’s Ulster Branch will be vice chairman.
GAA director general Páraic Duffy, Ulster CEO Shane Logan, IRFU CEO Philip Browne and former Ireland international Hugo MacNeill will also be members of the board.
With the formal 2023 World Cup selection process to begin in June (and finish in May 2017) the IRFU, Irish government and Northern Ireland executive say the board is to be finalised in the coming weeks.
“This is a very exciting opportunity for Ireland and while competition will be fierce for what is one of the most prized events in world sport, we will leave no stone unturned in putting together a world class case for Ireland to host what would be a hugely successful Rugby World Cup in 2023,” said Philip Browne in today’s statement.
“Ireland’s record in supporting international events and fixtures shows that we could look forward to full stadia throughout the tournament with the perfect mix of stadia in place, from intimate venues suitable for Pool matches, right up to Croke Park with its 82,000 capacity and all within easy travelling distance of one another.”
