Big names help Irish

ROCKER Bono and actor Liam Neeson will add star power to Ireland’s bid to host the 2023 Rugby World Cup as the contenders go head to head with France and South Africa in London today.

France and South Africa have hosted the tournament before but Ireland are pushing to host it in full for the first time. They held some matches at the 1991 and 1999 events.

The World Rugby Council will hear the presentations and the Rugby World Cup Board will make its recommendation on October 31 before the final decision on who will host the 10th edition is made on November 15.

France has a proven track record in hosting major events, most recently the Euro 2016 soccer tournament, together with impressive infrastructure.

But the French federation was made to issue a humiliating public apology by World Rugby for tweeting they were the best of the trio based on the world governing body’s figures.

The Irish are bidding to host their biggest-ever sporting event – and will be emboldened by their successful staging of the women’s version this year.

The main downside could be transport infrastructure.