Ireland’s Rugby World Cup dreams dashed as France get the nod
The World Rugby Council has selected France to the host the 2023 Rugby World Cup following a secret ballot in London on Wednesday morning.
The European nation proved to be the strongest contender, beating both Ireland and South Africa in the race to host the sporting tournament.
South Africa had been named as the preferred choice by World Rugby's independent review, though the final decision was left to representatives from the council's member nations.
Congratulations to France who have been awarded Rugby World Cup 2023 following World Rugby Council's vote #RWC2023 pic.twitter.com/JJ35aDVZVX
— Rugby World Cup (@rugbyworldcup) November 15, 2017
After securing just eight votes, Ireland's bid was eliminated in the first round.
France then went on to win 25 votes to South Africa's 15.
The result comes after both France and Ireland criticised World Rugby's decision to recommend South Africa, with IRFU Chief Executive Philip Browne going as far as to write a letter of complaint outlining his concerns about the process.
According to The Irish Independent, World Rugby acknowledged the letter last week and said that "it had addressed in full, clarification requests by the Rugby World Cup 2023 host candidates and council members."
Congratulations #France2023 bonne chance
— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) November 15, 2017
Of course, Irish rugby fans are pretty disappointed about the whole situation, but hey, at least we've an excuse to take a holiday – and it's waaaay cheaper to fly to Paris than it is to Cape Town.
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