World Rugby Names Four Nations Interested in Hosting 2023 World Cup

World Rugby has confirmed that France, Ireland, Italy and South Africa have all registered an interest to host the 2023 Rugby World Cup.

All four nations met World Rugby’s deadline of June 15 to submit an interest. The USA had also expressed an interesting in submitting a bid, but ultimately decided against it.

World Rugby Chairman Bernard Lapasset said: “We are delighted with the strong level of Rugby World Cup 2023 hosting interest from unions and governments, which highlights the enormous appeal of Rugby World Cup as a low-risk, high-return economic, social and sporting driver.

“We look forward to further detailed dialogue as the process progresses. 

“Although USA Rugby ultimately decided not to proceed with a formal bid, it was very encouraging that they originally had expressed an interest in hosting rugby’s flagship tournament.

“In the end, they decided to focus instead on other upcoming projects, not least the hosting of Rugby World Cup Sevens 2018, but they are an ambitious and progressive union and I have no doubt they will bid to host Rugby World Cup at some point in the future.”

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