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Ireland's 2023 Rugby World Cup set to be challenged

The race is hotting up for the right to host the Rugby World Cup.

ACCORDING TO FRENCH rugby newspaper Midi Olympique, France have now joined the race to stage the 2023 Rugby World Cup.

The paper claims that FFR President Pierre Camou proposed the idea to FFR’s governing body during a recent committee meeting. His proposal was put to a vote and according to the paper, the result was an unanimous yes.

Another superpower entering a race that may already include the likes of Argentina, Italy, South Africa and the United States is not great news for Ireland’s bid.

Ireland formally announced its intention to host the tournament last December, backed by both the Irish Government and the Northern Ireland Executive. At the time, Taoiseach Enda Kenny said:

“Ireland will put together a winning bid that will be impossible to resist. We have the fans, the stadiums, and the accessibility to make it a World Cup to remember”.

It might be a little easier to resist now however, with the 2007 hosts entering the fray. France have the size, the stadiums and have already proven their ability to host a successful tournament.

The 2023 bidding process is quickly becoming one of the most competitive in recent times, with South Africa being another serious contender. They are looking to host the tournament for the first time since 1995.

The decision on who will host the event will be taken in May 2017.

Originally published at 17.26

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Donal Lucey
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