Ireland up against ‘two masters of the universe’ in 2023 RWC bid, says World Rugby chief executive

World Rugby chief executive Brett Gosper has hinted that Ireland’s timing hasn’t been right as the country finds itself ranked behind “two masters of the universe in terms of putting on major world events” in the race to host the 2023 Rugby World Cup.

IRFU chief Philip Browne questioned the Rugby World Cup technical review group’s recommendation that South Africa should host the tournament in a letter to Gosper and all 39 members of the World Rugby Council, who will take part in next Wednesday’s secret ballot.

He raised concerns that the report failed to adequately consider the risk of “starkly empty stadia”, the “underlying threat level” to security, South Africa’s ability to follow through on its commitments after Durban was stripped of the 2022 Commonwealth Games, and the country’s ‘junk’ currency rating.