World Cup hopes become clearer today

Not everyone is convinced by the arguments for hosting an event like the 2023 Rugby World Cup but the prospect of the tournament taking place in Ireland would certainly have all manner of unforeseen or under-appreciated consequences.

Among them is the effect such a carrot would be for Irish players who may be considering offers from cash-rich clubs in France and England in the years to come given the IRFU’s track record for ignoring those who leave for foreign shores. The loss of Simon Zebo to France as of next summer has highlighted again that the Irish union can’t hope to keep everyone sheltered under their own umbrella but his omission from Joe Schmidt’s latest squad made clear the price that has to be paid.

That’s a bargaining chip that only increases in value if the World Cup comes here.