Massive Boost For Ireland’s 2023 RWC Bid As Scandal Hits France

On the rocks.

French president Emmanuel Macron’s decision to withdraw from France’s delegation to World Rugby in London on September 25th is the latest in a series of scandals emanating from France as they bid to host the 2023 Rugby World Cup.

Macron was supposed to personally lead the presentation, and was set to be one of five to speak on behalf of the French bid.

The official reason for his withdrawal is a ‘clash in schedule’ but the recent scandal that has surrounded French rugby president (FFR) Bernard Laporte is no doubt the real reason he has pulled out, especially since France’s Minister for Sport Laura Flessel has ordered an official inquiry into the affair.

To make matters worse, France was forced to apologise for a Tweet sent out suggesting World Rugby has them as the frontrunners to host the 2023 event.

World Rugby will also no doubt, be far from impressed by recent comments by Phillipe Folliot, president of Rugby Parliamentary Friendship Society in France. Folliot described the 2023 bid as “a big dress rehearsal” for the 2024 Paris Olympics adding that it was a “chance to test security”.

Ireland, France and South Africa will make their final presentations to World Rugby in London on September 25th while the host for the 2023 Rugby World Cup will be announced at the governing body’s council meeting on November 15th.

[Irish Times]

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