Not good.

South Africa are in pole position to host the 2023 Rugby World Cup after World Rugby today endorsed their bid according to a report by Midi Olympique.

France are second on the list, with Ireland’s bid at the bottom, following a report from the World Rugby technical review committee. Ireland have long been the bookies favourites, but with this news could now very well be out of the running.

South Africa lead the way thanks to their impressive cities and stadia, with Ireland ranking bottom on all required criteria, which included venues, infrastructure, operational excellence, commercial success, political and financial stability, public and private sector guarantees, suitable climate and geography.

Ireland however, still have a chance of hosting as this recommendation is exactly as it says- a recommendation. The decision must be ratified via a World Rugby council ballot in London on November 15.

The candidate nations do not have a vote, but there are three each for the rest of the Six Nations and SANZAAR countries; England, Italy, Scotland, Wales, Argentina, Australia and New Zealand.

Each of the six regional associations – Oceania, Sudamerica, Americas North, Europe, Africa and Asia – have two votes, while Canada, Georgia, Romania and the USA have one vote each; for an overall total of 39. The ballot will be overseen by independent auditors.