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Ireland's bid to host Rugby World Cup 2023

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Taoiseach Enda Kenny and Brian O'Driscoll at the launch today in the Aviva Stadium

Taoiseach Enda Kenny, Tánaiste Frances Fitzgerald and Sports Minister Shane Ross today attended the official launch of Ireland's bid to host the Rugby World Cup in 2023.

The official video produced by the IRFU to promote Ireland's bid

Ireland is now entering the 'Candidate' phase of the selection process to determine the host for the 2023 Rugby World Cup. The launch was also attended by Deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland, Martin McGuinness, and Northern Ireland Economy Minister Simon Hamilton, as well as Chairman of Ireland's RWC 2023 Bid Oversight Board Dick Spring and former Ireland captain Brian O'Driscoll, who is also on the Oversight Board. 

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Taoiseach Enda Kenny, Chairperson of the Oversight Board Dick Spring, Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness and Minister Shane Ross at the Aviva Stadium

Speaking at the launch, the Taoiseach emphasised Ireland's unrivalled international reputation and welcoming approach:

For many years our sporting ambassadors have travelled the world bringing colour, passion and friendship to sporting events everywhere.

Now we want to bring the world to Ireland. We want the world to experience this colour, this passion, this friendship - here at home, with us. Ireland is waiting with open arms to welcome rugby fans from all over the world, to make Rugby World Cup 2023 the event of a lifetime, to deliver lifelong memories on and off the pitch. Ireland is ready for the World.

Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness said: 

The 2023 Rugby World Cup bid is a bid for all the people of Ireland and the Executive will make every effort to make it a winning bid. We have a proven track record of hosting major global events including the G8, Giro d'Italia, MTV Music Awards, the World Police and Fire Games, the Clipper round the World Yacht Race and the Irish Open Golf Championship. 

This is a collective effort and I commend the GAA for placing its grounds at the disposal of the tournament, a key factor in Ireland's ability to bid for the tournament. 

Minister Ross said: 

Hosting the Rugby World Cup here would be a unique opportunity to showcase Ireland, not just to the hundreds of thousands of visitors who would come for the tournament, but to a worldwide television audience.

The bid has the backing of both Governments, through the provision of financial, infrastructural and services supports.

In addition, the GAA has placed its grounds at the disposal of the tournament, a key factor in Ireland's ability to bid for the tournament. Currently there are 12 potential venues on Ireland's 'Long List', ultimately reducing to 8/10 venues for the tournament staging.

The selection process will run from now until November 2017, when World Rugby will decide on the successful candidate to host the 2023 Rugby World Cup. During that period a detailed technical evaluation of the candidates will take place, with final proposals being submitted in June and a presentation to World Rugby scheduled for October.
For more information on Ireland's bid visit www.irishrugby.ie/ireland2023