We now know the competition that Ireland will face in the bid to host the Rugby World Cup on these shores in 2023. World Rugby held a meeting of interested parties in London last week, which was attended by all those countries interested in hosting.
So far Italy, France and South Africa have already publicly announced that they will be bidding to host the competition, but there were representatives from the United States who are also considering applying to host the World Cup. Intriguingly, Argentina were not among the countries at the meeting.
The London meeting was the first step in the process of awarding the hosting of the tournament, which is set to be awarded in 2017.
While each of the other four contenders have readymade stadiums and a proven history of hosting tournaments, Ireland have credit amongst World Rugby circles after agreeing to host the Women's World Cup in 2017 amid a lack of interest from elsewhere.
France and South Africa have already hosted the Rugby World Cup in 2007 and 1995 respectively. There is a train of thought that suggests South Africa could be ready to host the competition in either 2023 or 2027 which would come after a string of Northern Hemisphere hostings in a row.
America represents and intriguing option, with last year's Chicago test with New Zealand opening up a new market for rugby. Australia will play the American Eagles in preparation for the World Cup, while there is a professional league being set up this year which is being marked with games between Saracens and the Crusaders, and between Leicester and an American XV.
Curiously, Argentina are not one of the countries that were at the meeting, despite strong rumours that the South Americans were pushing for the tournament.
I have no doubts that Argentina can host @RugbyWorldCup 2023. Help the cause - buy the book http://t.co/qHHLUx3CCn
— Paul Tait (@AmericasOval) June 19, 2014
It'll be awhile to know whether Ireland are successful with their bid, but the process is well underway.
See Also: Which GAA Stadiums Are Part Of The Ireland 2023 RWC Bid?
See Also: How An Expanded Rugby World Cup Affects Ireland's 2023 Hosting Bid
See Also: Ireland;s Hopes Of Hosting The 2023 World Cup Has Taken A Bit Of A Blow Today
Picture Credit Oliver McVeigh/Sportsfile
