CONFIRMED: France will host Rugby World Cup 2023

It's such a kick in the teeth, not getting the World Cup after not qualifying for the World Cup.

Perhaps rugby and soccer's most aggressive fans don't relate those things but it's been a bad week for Ireland, whatever shape of your balls. France will host Rugby World Cup 2023 after the announcement was made by World Rugby on Wednesday in London. South Africa and Ireland are left to lick their wounds having missed out on what will be the 10th installment of the competition. Following the technical report two weeks ago, it became apparent that the Irish were a long way out in the bidding process - both in terms of stadia and in terms of how much money they could offer World Rugby in return for the honour of hosting it for them. https://twitter.com/patmccarry/status/925329022455861248 Whilst Ireland proposed four more stadium locations than South Africa - and three more than France - the GAA grounds which were significant to the bid were largely ripped apart in the advisory.

'Pairc Ui Chaoimh, Pearse Stadium and Fitzgerald Stadium require a significant level of overlay which is flagged as a risk, given the amount of work required to bring these venues up to RWC standard. 'Casement Park is scheduled for redevelopment by 2020 and will also require a significant level of overlay. At time of writing, we understand that this venue is still subject to final planning approval.'

As it is, the tournament will go to the northern hemisphere at least, back to the place where it was hosted just back in 2007. Viva la France.