Ireland’s call for Rugby World Cup - Bid for 2023 extravaganza

IT seems difficult to see any downside in Ireland’s bid — formally announced yesterday in Dublin — to host the 2023 Rugby World Cup.

An economic impact calculated at €800m; a global audience of 800m people; a justifiable boost for a sport that unifies the whole of Ireland like none other; a longlist of stadia, the flagships of which are already in place; and recognition for one of the founding fathers of the international game with that first match, against England in Dublin on December 13, 1875. What’s not to like?

Of course the rivals, France and South Africa, are venerable rugby giants in their own right and both have huge experience in providing a platform and support for outstanding tournaments, none more so than the Nelson Mandela/Francois Pienaar/Rainbow Nation 1995 World Cup which provided the birth myth for modern South Africa.