Review group holds key to Ireland’s RWC 2023 hopes

November 15 next is a date that has loomed large on the Irish rugby calendar for some time, yet you won’t find a fixture of any consequence on the day.

Of far more significance, at around 11am that morning, the 39 votes held by the members of the World Rugby council will be cast in a secret ballot that will ultimately decide whether Ireland, France, or South Africa get to host the rugby World Cup in six years time.

The IRFU decided more than four years ago to hold nothing in reserve in preparing a captivating and energetic bid, estimated to have cost €4m, capable of winning the process. They have been true to their word and the lingering question now is, will it prove good enough to emerge triumphant.