Ireland loses out to France for 2023 Rugby World Cup
Ireland and South Africa have both lost out in their bids to host the 2023 Rugby World Cup, with France being selected instead.
World Rugby president Bill Beaumont made the announcement on Wednesday.
South Africa was expected to be awarded the tournament for a second time, after being named as the preferred host nation by World Rugby's independent review.
But France instead won the vote of member nations.
A simple majority from the 39 votes was required and France claimed 18 votes to South Africa’s 13 in the first round of voting. Ireland had eight votes and were eliminated.
The second round saw France claim 24 votes to South Africa’s 15 to be named hosts for a second time, after previously hosting the tournament in 2007.
Beaumont disputed suggestions the vote made a mockery of the process.
“If you look, there wasn't a great deal between France and South Africa in the evaluation report. It was very close.
"We feel the process has been absolutely transparent. Everyone’s been able to see how the scoring was.”
Dick Spring, Chairman of Ireland’s 2023 Bid Oversight Board, offered congratulations to France and wished them every success as the tournament host.
He said: “Ireland’s bid is one of which all involved can be extremely proud.
“I would like to particularly thank the IRFU, the Irish Government, the Northern Ireland Executive, the members of the 2023 Oversight Board, those who took on ambassadorial roles for the bid, the many state bodies and, indeed, the people of Ireland - all of whom have given such incredible support to this bid.
“It has been richly rewarding to witness, and be inspired by, the fulsome cooperation between the many individuals and groups, North and South, who have given so freely to our common quest.”
David Sterling, Head of the Northern Ireland Civil Service, added: “I too would like to congratulate France and wish them well for a successful tournament in 2023.
“The Rugby World Cup is such an important sporting event and the benefits of hosting it are substantial.
“We are disappointed today, but we can look back with pride at the significant time and collaborative effort which had been put into our bid and which proved that Ireland has the credentials to host a Rugby World Cup.”