Ireland's 2023 World Cup bid receives Theresa May's backing

Ireland's bid for 2023 World Cup has received a shot in the arm after British Prime Minister Theresa May has given her backing to stage the tournament.

Ireland's Taoiseach Leo Varadkar confirmed that May had sent a written letter to World Rugby affirming United Kingdom's support for the bid.

Varadkar was the only state figurehead attending in person as Ireland, France and South Africa presented their bids to stage the tournament in London on Monday.

President Emmanuel Macron has distanced himself from France's bid, declining to provide a video message as previously promised, while the French paraded support from the late All Black wing Jonah Lomu's sons in their pitch.

"The main reason I'm speaking to Theresa May is around Brexit and also restoring the institutions in the north," said Varadkar, who was due to meet May at Downing Street.

"However, she has written to World Rugby, supporting our bid, and assuring them that the United Kingdom government is behind it too.

"And I'm very grateful for the fact that she's done that.

"I'm really delighted to be here in person. I wouldn't have missed today for anything."

France made the bold claim that their bid would generate the most revenue for organisers Rugby World Cup.

Varadkar said of those claims: "Of course they are going to say that, but we would say otherwise.

"Our bid is fully backed by the government. I'm here in person, the only head of government to be here in person."

Former Ireland captain Brian O'Driscoll hailed Varadkar's personal appearance, while musician and political activist Bob Geldof and U2 singer Bono provided messages of support in a stirring video presentation.

"It's massively important and it shows the seriousness of our pitch," said O'Driscoll of Varadkar's appearance.