Nervous hours ahead as Ireland's bid to land 2023 Rugby World Cup reaches landmark moment

Brian O'Driscoll revelling in the success of Irish rugby in 2018

Independent.ie Newsdesk Twitter Email

October 30 2017 09:15 PM

Ireland will learn whether they have convinced World Rugby to endorse their bid to host the Rugby World Cup in six years time in a matter of hours.

The world governing body announces its recommendation for the 2023 host on Tuesday morning.

Ireland, France and South Africa will be casting anxious glances at computer screens as World Rugby releases the name of the preferred candidate following an exhaustive technical appraisal of the three bids.

Council members are not bound by the recommendation and they will ultimately decide who hosts the showpiece.

Their recommendation will be supported by a 220-page document of data in support of the verdict and it would take a lot of persuasion to convince a council member to go against it.

There are 39 votes available among the various unions and regional bodies and everyone has the right to vote as they see fit, even in the face of World Rugby’s recommendation.

The rationale for the decision of the 20-strong team of World Rugby and external experts will be made public.

Ireland remain favourites with the bookmakers to host the event but the odds have lengthened to 4/6.

HOW THE DECISION WILL BE MADE

- The result will be announced on November 15

- The winning bidder needs 20 votes out of a total of 39

WHO HAS A VOTE

Six Nations/SANZAR Unions not bidding (three votes each)

- Argentina

- Australia

- England

- Italy

- New Zealand

- Scotland

- Wales

Six regional associations + Japan (two votes each)

- Africa

- Americas North

- Asia

- Europe

- Japan

- Oceania

- South America

Four individual unions (One vote each)

- Canada

- Georgia

- Romania

- USA

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