World Rugby chairman Bill Beaumont praises World Cup 2023 bids
Tuesday 4 October 2016 15:57, UK
Bill Beaumont has praised the bids from the three nations left in the running to host the 2023 Rugby Union World Cup.
After Italy pulled out of the running last week, Ireland, France and South Africa remain in the hunt to organise the 10th staging of the tournament.
World Rugby have confirmed all three nations have demonstrated their ability to meet key criteria, such as finance and venues, in their applications to stage the tournament.
Italy had also begun the bidding process only to withdraw after it emerged they would not be given government support.
Beaumont, chairman of World Rugby, said: "We are delighted by the strong level of serious interest from unions and governments, which is clearly reflected in three strong and impressive applications.
"I would like to congratulate the unions for successfully progressing to candidate status and we welcome further dialogue with all parties as momentum builds towards the selection for the host."
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The third and final phase will begin on November 1, with the winner to be chosen a year later.
France and South Africa have each hosted the tournament once before, in 2007 and 1995 respectively, while Ireland staged five games during the 1991 event - four at Lansdowne Road, Dublin and one at Ravenhill in Belfast.
