France wins right to host 2023 World Cup

World Rugby chairman Bill Beaumont has confirmed France as the host for the 2023 edition of the Rugby World Cup following a voting process in London on Wednesday.

The decision on France selection came despite the World Rugby board's recommendation of South Africa being the preferred choice over France and Ireland taking into consideration the vision, tournament scheduling, and organising process, infrastructure, venues for the tournament and financial commitments presented by the three countries.

The World Rugby council members converged on a voting process earlier in the day which saw France collecting 18 votes and South Africa with 13 votes in round one that saw Ireland with eight votes eliminated.

In the second round, France gained 24 votes as compared to South Africa's 15 to win the rights for hosting the showpiece event in 2023.

This will also be the third time France will be hosting the World Cup after previously hosting in 1991 and 2007.

Beaumont said: "We've been fortunate to have three great bids. There's going to be two countries extremely disappointed.

"Certainly delighted for France. It will be a really exciting tournament".

Beaumont also emphasised the "transparent selection process" before announcing the host, when World Rugby's member nations went against the recommendation.