Alan Quinlan – If Rugby And GAA Combine, 2023 Could Be A Very Special Year For Ireland

Ireland are currently gearing themselves up for a Rugby World Cup 2023 bid and Alan Quinlan reckons Ireland are definitely the best candidates

Speaking in his Independent column Quinlan reckons if the GAA and IRFU combine, Ireland can mount a serious challenge.

I know that the IRFU have been carefully planning their bid to host the Rugby World Cup in 2023, and after witnessing how the competition was such a success in England I’m more convinced than ever that we could make it an event to remember on our shores.

I’ve been to the last five World Cups as a player and most recently in my new career as a journalist. I think Ireland could blend the best parts of the last two competitions in New Zealand (2011) and the UK to convince World Rugby that they are the best candidate.

There are plenty of strands to this argument, be it financial, infrastructural or political issues, but if the Irish bid is a success, imagine the excitement it would bring right across the island.

In the past we’ve seen some major sporting events held here in Ireland and they have been enormous successes.

The Special Olympics in 2003 was an incredible festival of sport that brought volunteers from every corner of the country together to make it the best ever event of its kind.

Three years later the Ryder Cup at The K Club surpassed all expectations and set a new standard for the hosting of the tournament, which in my opinion, still has to be beaten.

Quinlan was adamant however just how important linking up with the GAA is.

The link-up with the GAA is a huge positive for the Irish bid – without them there is no way it would be possible to even think about applying – but some of the possible venues will need to be refurbished.

Read the article in full here