France Boost Chance Of Hosting RWC 2023 By Using The Six Nations As A Springboard
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France mean business.
Ireland, South Africa and France are currently locked in three-way battle to host the 2023 Rugby World Cup. The Irish currently lead the way according to reports, with South Africa’s bid under threat due to sports minister Fikile Mbalula trying to block it.
France’s bid to host the 2024 Olympic Games and the fact that they hosted it already back in 2007 is a stumbling block in many eyes. French Rugby Federation president and former Secretary of State for Sports Bernard Laporte however, reckons they can host both and sees 2007 as proof it can be a success again in 2023.
“An international event, rugby or otherwise, is a chance for France to shine on the international stage,” Laporte said.
“It’s an additional value for us. You can see that with Brazil they had the 2014 World Cup and the Olympics (in Rio). Japan will have the (Rugby) World Cup in 2019 and the Olympics straight after in Tokyo (2020).
“We won the (right to host) the 2018 Ryder Cup and Euro 2016. The 2007 tournament was a success for us and I am sure 2023 will be.”
It was reported last month that the FFR was set to intensify their efforts to host the tournament over the next few months and it looks like those reports were right. The French jersey bore #France2023 on the front today as the national side took on Scotland in Paris.
All eyes will now turn to Ireland who clearly have a job on their hands to defeat the French. They can start win a win in Dublin in two weeks time. We’ve also mocked up a jersey the could wear against Les Blues. What do you think?