merrion street

At its meeting today, the Government reaffirmed its absolute commitment to Ireland’s bid to host Rugby World Cup 2023. 

The Government noted that the evaluation report published last week acknowledged the quality of Ireland’s bid and our ability to stage a successful event in 2023. The report clearly stated that 

‘any of the three candidates could host a successful Rugby World Cup’. 

Under the rules of World Rugby, it is now a matter for the World Rugby Council Members to vote on the bids of all three candidate countries. 

The Government continues to believe that Ireland is the best choice for hosting RWC 2023 and is deserving of the support of the voters on the World Rugby Council. 

Along with the Irish Rugby Football Union, and the Bid Oversight Board, the Government will continue to make the case for the Irish bid until the Final Vote takes place on November 15th. 

The Government has been informed by the Bid Oversight Board that the IRFU have reservations about a number of important aspects of the evaluation report. These concerns will be pursued by the IRFU with its counterparts in World Rugby. 

For its part, the Government will continue to draw attention to the very positive aspects of Ireland’s bid, including its historic all-island nature, supported by the UK Government. 

This is especially important as a boost to progress in Northern Ireland and for cross-border relations, and against the background of the challenges posed to these islands by Brexit. 

If Ireland is selected to host Rugby World Cup 2023, it will demonstrate that a small country that has not hosted a tournament before can run a successful tournament, for players, for supporters and for the benefit of World Rugby.