THE LAST WORD
ON TUESDAY, World Rugby will announce the recommendation for who should host the 2023 World Cup, at the end of a meticulous, independent auditing phase. The France, Ireland and South Africa bid teams are satisfied that the process will have been rigorous and fair, but what comes next is crucial. The recommendation will be put forward for a vote by the World Rugby council, before a final result is declared on November 15. If the auditors’ nomination is ignored, it would mark a return to the dark ages of murky political horse-trading; controlled by a cabal of powerful leading nations. The RFU have already suggested that they will vote for France, on the basis of projected profits. If that is to be the only consideration, future World Cups will alternate between England and France, until the USA are deemed ready. An unthinkable scenario.