France will host the Rugby World Cup 2023 after winning the most votes casted by rugby-playing nations at a lunch in London this lunch time.
Ireland were knocked out in the first round with just eight votes while France received 18 and South Africa received 13. In the second count, France won 24 votes compared to South Africa’s 15.
Unlike their French counterparts, criticism of the South African bid was of no help to their cause and will leave the Irish bidding committee with a few red faces.
The main talking point in the press conference was not the victory for France but the first two questions challenged World Rugby chairman Bill Beaumont on the nature of the vote. On both occasions he defended the vote stating it was “clear and transparent,” however looked increasingly nervy as the media conference went on.
Despite the RFU backing the Irish vote, the council acknowledged World Rugby’s advice on Ireland’s lack of world class tournament experience as well as the concerns . . .
You will need to log in or register to read the rest of this article. If you have not already registered you can click here to register.
In 2022 we added 102,631 new images in 510 galleries with a gallery breakdown of 263 Rugby, 217 Hockey and 30 Athletics. Your registration and subscription will help us to continue.
Thanks.
Corrections, comments or questions?