Yet another massive boost in Ireland’s bid to host the 2023 Rugby World Cup

Ireland are one of three countries in line to host the 2023 Rugby World Cup.

News on Wednesday that Italy have pulled out of the bidding process to bring the tournament to their country has boosted the IRFU's chances. Only Ireland, South Africa and France remain in the running to host the World Cup in seven years' time. Argentina withdrew their application before the summer, USA's interest ended long before then and now World Rugby has the pick of just three nations to succeed Japan in 2019.

"World Rugby notes the decision by the Federazione Italiana Rugby (FIR) today to withdraw from the Rugby World Cup 2023 host selection process," a statement read. "While it is disappointing that the FIR feels unable to proceed, World Rugby fully understands the decision and hopes to see Italy join the process for future Rugby World Cup hosting. "The host selection process continues with three strong applications currently being evaluated by a World Rugby Technical Review Group. The outcomes of the evaluation will be independently assessed to ensure a fair and consistent approach."

It leaves Ireland grappling with two giants of the international tournament game. In the last 21 years, South Africa have hosted a Rugby World Cup, a FIFA World Cup and two Lions Tours whilst, in the same time, France has staged a FIFA World Cup, two European Football Championships, and the Rugby World Cup back in 2007. However, as Bleacher Report put it in the summer, it doesn't mean Ireland should be overlooked.

"Only Ireland cannot boast a CV with these major events [like what South Africa and France have hosted in recent years]," Danny Coyle wrote. "A nation of less than five million people and only four professional rugby "franchises" has never opened its doors to a competition on this scale. "But it can, and should, be given the opportunity."

Applicants that meet the criteria outlined by World Rugby will move to the candidate phase on 1 November. The Rugby World Cup 2023 host will be selected in November 2017. Ireland needs 12 set stadia to be fit to host the Rugby World Cup with one of these required to have a minimum capacity of 60,000 for the semi-finals and final. Outside the grounds that have already been used for rugby, the country do have a number of fine GAA facilities that could help the bidding process. Here are the ones that have already been used by the IRFU which will be put forward. Croke Park, Dublin (82,300) Aviva Stadium, Dublin (51,700) Thomond Park, Limerick (25,630) RDS Arena, Dublin (18,500) Ravenhill, Belfast (18,196) Then, you have a plethora of GAA grounds that could be called upon.

• Semple Stadium, Tipperary (53,000)
• Gaelic Grounds, Limerick (49,886)
• MacHale Park, Mayo (42,000)
• Fitzgerald Stadium, Kerry (39,120)
• Páirc Uí Chaoimh, Cork (32,550)
• Pearse Stadium, Galway (29,167)

Just don't be counting on Belfast's Casement Park any time soon... https://twitter.com/SportsJOEdotie/status/767315302174584833 The GAA Hour podcast is out every Monday and Thursday.Subscribe here on iTunes or listen on Soundcloud (if you want to).