IRFU ‘very disappointed’ Welsh and Scottish support went elsewhere

Irish Rugby Football Union chief executive Philip Browne says Ireland should not bid to host a Rugby World Cup while the parameters to stage the competition remain as they are.

Ireland lost their bid to host the 2023 World Cup yesterday after a vote conducted by the World Rugby Council in London gave the tournament to France.

France defeated favourites South Africa, who had been recommended by the competition’s organising body to host the tournament, by 24 votes to 15 after a second round of voting. Ireland was eliminated at the first round of voting after securing just eight votes.