Croke Park open for Rugby World Cup after GAA Congress votes to support IRFU bid

The Government has welcomed the decision by the GAA to allow Croke Park and other stadiums to be made available if Ireland hosts the Rugby World Cup.

An overwhelming majority of 93% of delegates at the association's Congress in Derry voted in favour of the motion this morning.

The IRFU wants to host the tournament in Ireland in either 2023 or 2027.

Junior Sports Minister Michael Ring said the GAA's backing would provide a significant boost for their bid.

"It's a great decision for the GAA (and) for the country and for the IRFU," he said. "I want to compliment the GAA for doing this - I think it was the right thing to do."