It was between Ireland, France and South Africa.
In the end, it was between France and South Africa but little did we know that we weren’t even being looked at in round two.
In total, 39 votes were accumulated based on the breakdown of different countries’ weights to determine who would host the Rugby World Cup in 2023. Tier 1 nation votes count for more and bidders cannot vote.
#RWC2023 Host needs 20 votes – voting weights:
Australia 3
England 3
New Zealand 3
Scotland 3
Wales 3
Italy 3
Argentina 3
Japan 2
Canada 1
Georgia 1
Romania 1
USA 1
Asia Rugby 2
Oceania Rugby 2
Rugby Africa 2
Rugby Americas North 2
Rugby Europe 2
Sudamerica Rugby 2— EWN Sport (@EWNsport) November 15, 2017
In total, Ireland mustered eight of those 39 possible votes. Barely over 20 per cent of the vote.
So, they didn’t even make it to the final round of voting where six more nations then sided with the French bid.
Round One
France 18
South Africa 13
Ireland 8Round Two
France 24
South Africa 15
Some of Ireland’s near neighbours are even said to have overlooked the Irish bid as the French swept home.
Although South Africa were recommending in the technical vote, there’s no obligation for World Rugby to follow that.
France held the Rugby World Cup in 2007. They hosted the soccer World Cup in 1998 and the European Championships in 2000 and 2016. In 2023, the world will descend on French ground once more.
Ireland didn’t even get close.
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