France win the vote to host 2023 Rugby World Cup

The World Rugby Council today has chosen France ahead of South Africa to be the host nation for the 2023 Rugby World Cup.

France received 24 votes to South Africa’s 15 in the final round of voting. In the first round, France received 18 votes to South Africa’s 13 and Ireland’s eight.

The World Rugby chairman, Bill Beaumont said: “We were fortunate to have three great bids. Two of the candidates will be extremely disapopinted obviously. I am delighted for France. It’s going to be a really exciting tournament.

“I would like to pay tribute to Ireland and South Africa for their dedication throughout a rigorous, and transparent process and hope that they will bid again. We now look forward to working in partnership with France to deliver what I am sure will be a very successful Rugby World Cup in 2023.”

South Africa, who were recommended to host the 2023 Rugby World Cup, released a statement: 

“We are bitterly disappointed at this decision and would like to apologise to the people and government of South Africa for raising their hopes,” said Mr Mark Alexander, president of SA Rugby.

“We did everything in our power to bring the tournament to South Africa and we expected to have that right confirmed today.

“...We cannot hide our desolation but, for the sake of rugby we wish the 2023 tournament hosts every success.”