Russia to Bid for 2023 Rugby World Cup

Russia have started a ambitious bid to host the 2023 Rugby World Cup, having just made their debut at the tournament at this year’s edition.

The sport is in line for major investment in the country following its addition to the Olympic programme, and has been added to the curriculum in a number of schools around Moscow, with more to follow across the country.

A statement on the Russian Rugby Union (RRU) website, read: ‘During our board meeting RRU president Vyacheslav Kopyev stated that Russia would lodge a formal bid to host the World Cup in 2023. The Russian team had a respectable showing in New Zealand, scoring eight tries – a great achievement for the World Cup debutants.’

The country will host the rugby sevens World Cup in 2013 – the last edition of the competition before it is added to the Olympic roster from 2016 – and the RRU noted that it has set an objective of winning the competition.

Related discussion: Russia to bid for 2023 Rugby World Cup