IRFU chief executive Philip Browne has refused to countenance whether the union would regroup and launch a fresh bid for the 2027 Rugby World Cup in the event that its bid to play host to the 2023 tournament fails to get the go-ahead later this year.

The GAA have revealed the IRFU are seeking Croke Park for seven games as part of their bid to host either the 2023 or 2027 Rugby World Cup (RWC).

Sport can bring out the best in people but, as anyone who has seen how out-of-control spectators, competitors or drug cheats can corrupt the most beautiful and honest endeavour will realise, it can show us at our very worst too.

GAA Congress doesn’t exactly get pulses racing, but this weekend’s gathering in Derry is arguably the most important since 2005 when delegates voted to give Central Council the power to make Croke Park available for international rugby and soccer games.