IRFU CEO Philip Browne leads Rugby World Cup 2023 counter-attack

The IRFU has doubled down on its doubts over South Africa’s suitability to host the 2023 Rugby World Cup, with the union continuing to push for answers on aspects of the technical review which last week recommended the Rainbow Nation.

A letter sent to World Rugby CEO Brett Gosper and all 39 members of the World Rugby Council by IRFU CEO Philip Browne, and seen by the Irish Examiner, has again sought clarity on the key bidding issues of security, stadia, finance and tournament experience.

An initial letter from bid chairman Dick Spring to the same council members last week revealed the “shock” at the “narrow operational and theoretical” approach of the technical review group, while questioning the validity of the scoring awarded.