5 Reasons Why Ireland Should Be Awarded The 2023 Rugby World Cup
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Ireland are currently the frontrunners to host the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
A World Rugby technical group visited the potential host nation over the last few days to assess their credibility in hosting the famous tournament, with IRFU chief executive Philip Browne stating that Ireland is in a unique position to host the 2023 event.
Ireland is one of three nations currently in the running alongside France and South Africa – but the only one to have not yet hosted the event.
Browne said:
“We are confident that Ireland 2023 will be a tournament like no other, with rugby at the heart of it, full of Irish spirit and commercial success.
“In addition, we believe the fact that Ireland has not previously hosted a Rugby World Cup is a positive dimension to our bid.
“It would, if successful, inspire and encourage other rugby unions throughout the world with aspirations to bid in the future, just as we were inspired by New Zealand’s success in hosting the tournament in 2011.
“Furthermore, Ireland, as a first time host, would enhance the true global nature of rugby in the eyes of the international commercial and sporting world and support the ambition of growing the game across the globe.”
As things stand it looks like to will in all eventuality end up being a two-way battle between Ireland and France due to the question marks surrounding France’s bid. Durban was recently stripped of hosting rights to the 2022 Commonwealth Games, and South African sports minister Fikile Mbalula had previously said that rugby would be banned from bidding to host future events, but retracted that statement during a visit from the technical review group last week.
Here’s five reasons why Ireland should get the majority vote and the right to host the 2023 event.
The Fans.
No matter what sport it is, Irish fans have always been lauded as the best fans in the world. We saw it at the Euro’s last year, the 2015 Rugby World Cup, even going back as far the soccer World Cup in 2002. Irish fans have a unique ability to just get on with pretty much anybody, regardless of nationality, race or religion. And thats when they go on tour, just imagine what it would be like of Ireland had the opportunity to roll out the red carpet and welcome the world to their doorstep. Ireland truly is is the land of 100,000 welcomes, and deserves an opportunity to show this. Céad Míle Fáilte.
Ireland knows how to throw a party.
This is pretty self explanatory. If you want to throw a party, the Irish are the first people you need to invite. There are 1000’s of amazing venues across the country, fantastic pubs on every corner and a plethora of wonderful restaurants. Any fan that visits Ireland to watch their team in the Rugby World Cup will be simply blown away by what Ireland has to offer. Find yourself a snug, grab a pint of Guinness and enjoy some live trad. It doesn’t get much better.
The Sightseeing.
There are several sites you just have to see when you travel to Ireland, from the windswept Cliffs of Moher to the rain soaked Aran Islands. If ancient history is your thing, Ireland has plenty of it- try Newgrange or the Hill of Tara in County Meath. For sheer unadulterated, natural, beauty try the Giant’s Causeway, the Burren or the entire county of Kerry. But there is more to Ireland than countryside and rocks, as any number of attractions in Dublin, such as Trinity College and the Guinness Storehouse.
Irish Rugby.
While rugby may not be the number one sport in the country, it is a stunning example of community and belief in Ireland. Look back at some of the stunning journeys over the years such as Munster’s Heineken Cup journey, Leinster’s rise to three-time champions, Connacht’s stunning PRO12 triumph last year, and not forgetting Ulster’s European triumph in 1999. All these were made possible due to the unique bond that exists between the Irish province’s and its fans. Ask any player and they will tell you they couldn’t have done it without them.
Then there’s the national side. Looks at the former players and ambassadors for the game Ireland has produced over the years such as Brian O’Driscoll and Paul O’Connell. Ireland has gone from struggling in the 5/6 Nations, to Grand Slam champions in 2009, followed by further championships in 2014 & 2015. They currently sit 4th in the World Rankings and head into the 2019 pool draw in the top band of seeds for the first time in history. The Irish Rugby story is something truly special that deserves to be rewarded.
If they don’t get it, he will find you…
Ready For The World. Liam Neeson narrates Ireland's bid to host Rugby World Cup 2023 #Ireland2023 pic.twitter.com/zcZGBqsnO0
— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) November 15, 2016
The host nation of the 2023 Rugby World Cup will be announced in November of this year.
