Ireland pins hopes on run-off to salvage rugby bid

IRELAND’S hopes of landing the 2023 Rugby World Cup now hinge on the unlikely prospect of forcing a run-off vote with South Africa, according to senior Government figures.

As tomorrow’s declaration approaches, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, Sports Minister Shane Ross (inset) and senior IRFU members have made lastditch phone calls in a desperate attempt to salvage Ireland’s bid.

Mr Ross and his junior counterpart Brendan Griffin will travel to London this evening ahead of the official announcement. Senior figures directly involved in driving Ireland’s bid say our hopes rest on South Africa – the odds-on favourite – failing to reach the threshold of 20 votes.

There are 39 votes in total. If South Africa secures 20 or more, it will be named the host nation. However, if it falls short and Ireland finishes ahead of France, a second round of voting will be called, with France out of the running. Senior figures say Ireland will then be in a much stronger position to secure the support of other nations who originally lent their support to the French.

Mr Ross last night told the Irish Independent that the Government had been engaged in major diplomatic efforts and would fight “until the bitter end” to increase our votes.

“We believe the gap between the first and last nations is on a knife edge,” Mr Ross said.

But, privately, senior Government figures admit Ireland’s chances of landing the competition are diminishing.

“The odds are stacked against us, but if we can come close to South Africa we would have a fighting chance in the runoff,” said a senior Government source involved in Ireland’s bid.

It’s understood both Mr Ross and Mr Varadkar made personal calls to other political leaders yesterday as part of our lobbying efforts. There is major focus on securing the support of England, Scotland and Wales – with Mr Varadkar in particular emphasising how landing the tournament in Europe would be a vital post-Brexit boost.

There is a view within Government, however, that World Rugby is leaning heavily towards South Africa. A senior source pointed out that South Africa has lost out on the tournament on the last three occasions. The source said rugby was in decline in South Africa and it had also promised to spend the most money.