Rugby World Cup: Ireland upbeat for 2023 tournament bid
Last updated on .From the section Irish Rugby

Ireland have outlined their case to host the 2023 World Cup a week before the bid presentation is delivered to the World Rugby Council.
The Irish hope to get the nod over South Africa and France when the final decision is made on 15 November.
"The bid has an unrivalled commercial package, the largest number of travelling fans and a legacy programme to help crack America," said the IRFU.
The Irish bid team aims to deliver a 'Tournament Like No Other'.
Traditional rugby stadiums such as the Aviva in Dublin, the Kingspan at Ravenhill in Belfast and Thomond Park in Limerick would stage matches.
However, a 2023 World Cup in Ireland would also hope to use a number of impressive Gaelic football venues, including the 82,300-capacity Croke Park in Dublin and Belfast's Casement Park.
Focus on the future
"This bid represents the hopes and aspirations of the entire island and is focussed very firmly on the future," said Kevin Potts, Ireland Bid Director.
"It presents World Rugby with a compelling proposition that combines all the advantages of a traditional rugby market with the many opportunities of a new one.
"This bid is grounded in certainty through unparalleled government support, the availability and suitability of sold out, iconic stadiums set in the heart of cities and towns and, of course, Ireland's unrivalled access through our diaspora to the North American market."
IRFU chief executive Philip Browne added that Ireland "is truly ready for the world - ready to host the world and ready to promote rugby throughout the world."
Comments
Join the conversation
However, some of those Gaelic stadiums are enormous! The rugby Irish public are great. Ireland really deserve to have a Home RWC.
Croke park 83,000
Semple stadium 53,000
Aviva stadium 52,000
Gaelic grounds Limerick 50,000
Cork 47,000
etc etc etc.
ps before you mention that these are not Rugby stadia remind yourself of where the majority of matches were played when England were hosts .
Good excuse to visit the Emerald Isle!
Given that some of us are still alive then!
Please don't give it to the Saffies I don't think I could stand another rainbow nation stitch up like the last time.
Fourth biggest stadium in Europe.
83,000 modern stadium 15mins bus ride from St James gate Guinness brewery .
What an occasion !
I notice that your comment has 2 down votes. I wonder whether either individual has ever been there? I had the great privilege of watching a Kilkenny v Tipperary All Ireland hurling final a few years ago and it was a fabulous spectacle with a magic atmosphere. Highly recommended.
takes place in Japan. Alan Gilpin says: 'Japan are behind on preparations.' It seems to me that people's interest in rugby is lower. Anyway, I am Japanese.
1) Ireland - never hosted on their own
2) South Africa - last hosted 22 years ago
3) France - last hosted 10 years ago
Give the Irish a crack at it, would be a great atmosphere!