France has placed finances above everything in a bid to host Rugby World Cup 2023 ahead of rivals Ireland and South Africa, writes Barry Coughlan of the Irish Examiner.

The Ireland team bidding to host the 2023 Rugby World Cup are planning to make tickets 30% cheaper than those that were on offer for the last tournament in England.

IRFU CEO Philip Browne has revealed Ireland are open to another showdown with New Zealand in Chicago.

Saturday morning in Houston, Texas and it’s already too hot for rugby or anything really.