South Africa backed to host 2023 World Cup
The Rugby World Cup is all but guaranteed to be hosted by South Africa in 2023
©PA
World Rugby board has recommended South Africa as the possible venue for hosting the 2023 edition of the World Cup.
A final decision will take place on the 15th November when the members of the World Rugby Council converge for a voting process in London.
The decision of the World Rugby board has dented Ireland's hopes of hosting their first ever World Cup with France being the third bidder for hosting the showpiece event.
Taking into consideration the vision, tournament scheduling, and organising process, infrastructure, venues for the tournament and financial commitments presented by the three countries, South Africa ranked the highest with 78.97 per cent, with France on 75.88 per cent and Ireland 72.25 per cent.
World Rugby chairman Bill Beaumont said: "The comprehensive and independently scrutinised evaluation reaffirmed that we have three exceptional bids but it also identified South Africa as a clear leader based on performance against the key criteria, which is supported by the board in the recommendation.
"I would like to congratulate South Africa on a superb bid and all the bid teams for their dedication and professionalism throughout the process to date.
"Our colleagues on the World Rugby council will now meet on 15 November in London to consider the board's recommendation and vote to decide the host of Rugby World Cup 2023."
South Africa last staged the World Cup in 1995, the first major sporting event the country hosted following the end of apartheid and the final tournament under rugby union's amateur era.
The Springboks defeated New Zealand in the final, and the sight of Nelson Mandela in a South African rugby jersey and cap, presenting the Webb Ellis Cup to captain Francois Pienaar, remains one of sport's most unifying and enduring images.
Ireland staged World Cup matches in 1991 and 1999 but had been seeking to host the tournament on its own in six years' time, proposing a cross-border pitch that was backed by British Prime Minister Theresa May.
Despite the setback, Ireland Rugby Football Union chairman Dick Spring is confident that they can still secure the tournament hosting rights.
"While It is disappointing not to have received the initial recommendation from Rugby World Cup Board Limited, there is nothing in the report which is insurmountable and this is certainly not the end of the road," told the board's official website.
"We absolutely believe Ireland can secure the tournament for 2023. Our team will compete to the final whistle as we bid to turn our historic bid plans into reality.
"We still have confidence that the council members, who vote on November 15th, will place their trust in Ireland to deliver an outstanding 2023 Rugby World Cup."
