Later this afternoon, we will find out if Ireland will host the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
Ireland, France and South Africa had declared their interest in hosting the 2023 world cup and today we will find out which country is chosen.
Ireland head coach Joe Schmidt remains convinced his side's record 38-3 thumping of the Springboks in Dublin on Saturday could swing the vote of World Rugby's member nations on Wednesday, but that appears to remain a long-shot.
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Ireland have never hosted the Rugby World Cup before, unlike France and South Africa.
France hosted the Rugby World cup in 2007 and South Africa hosted it in 1995.
The leader of France's bid, Claud Atcher details that France's ability to make money for the Rugby World Cup is a vital tool that is needed. “If we don’t do anything, in five to ten years you will have two, three to four teams on the same level and that’s all, and rugby will die.”
South Africa's CEO argues that it would be financially better if it was hosted in South Africa in 2023. “ If you are really honest with yourself, the World Cup should be in some Euro-centric environment, every four years. Because that's where you will make the most profit on an annual basis.”
Ireland have opted to pay the £120 million bid fee. They have long listed 12 different venues, that are located across Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. Let's hope that Ireland get to host the Rugby World Cup in 2023.
