Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
IRELAND: WE CAN STILL WIN RUGBY WORLD CUP
Officials upbeat despite review backing South Africa as hosts £900
IRELAND’S bid to host the 2023 Rugby World Cup looked to be kicked into touch yesterday – but bosses are refusing to concede defeat.
South Africa received a recommendation to host the tournament but an official decision will not be made until November 15.
However, the Springboks are all but guaranteed to pip Ireland and France, with World Rugby’s council unlikely to go against its board.
Despite finishing third in the evaluation study, Ireland’s bid team is unwilling to concede defeat. Chairman Dick Spring said: “While it is disappointing not to have received the initial recommendation, there is nothing in the report which is insurmountable and this is certainly not the end of the road.
“We absolutely believe Ireland can secure the tournament for 2023. Our team will compete to the final whistle as we bid to turn our historic bid plans into reality.
“We still have confidence the council members, who vote on November 15, will place their trust in Ireland to deliver an outstanding 2023 Rugby World Cup.”
The evaluation report assessed a series of categories – vision and hosting concept, organisation and schedule, venues and host cities, infrastructure, and finance, commercial and commitments.
Each was weighted as a percentage and then combined, with South Africa receiving 78.97%, France on 75.88% and Ireland on 72.25%.
World Rugby chairman Bill Beaumont said: “The comprehensive and independently scrutinised evaluation reaffirmed we have three exceptional bids.
“But it also identified South Africa as a clear leader based on performance against key criteria, which is supported by the board in the recommendation.”
Amount of money raised by Bangor schoolgirl for the Little Princess Trust