Trip to France a small consolation for fans

IRELAND fans have said it is a small consolation that the 2023 Ruby World Cup will be held in France.

Many fans in Dublin were disappointed yesterday with the decision by World Rugby – but most were trying to see the bright side.

“It’s shame because it would have been great to host it here,” said Will O’Donnell (52), from Co Cork.

“France is wide open from a security point of view. Ireland is a safe haven.”

Gavin Finn (21), from Templeogue, Dublin, said he was a lifelong rugby fan, having attended St Mary’s College, well-known for its involvement in the sport and whose alumni include international outhalf Johnny Sexton.

“I think it’s good that it’s not in South Africa, so it means that we can easily go,” he said.

Paul Nagle, from Cork, a store manager for Elverys Sports on Stephen’s Green, in Dublin, said he was surprised France got the nod, given the favourite was South Africa. “It would have been great for rugby here if we had got it,” he said. “Am I going? Well yes, I’m also going to Japan for the 2019 World Cup.”

One person not upset was Doriane Petit (24, left), who is from Normandy, but works in Chez Max on Dublin’s Baggot Street.

“I love the atmosphere at these big tournaments,” she said. “I hope a lot of Irish fans come too because we saw how it was during the football World Cup with the fun and atmosphere they bring.”