Friday Round-Up

Italians bid for RWC: The Italian Rugby Federation have today confirmed that they will be submitting a bid to become the official host of the 2023 edition of the Rugby World Cup. Bids to World Rugby must be formalised in May of this year and the Italian contingent fully intend on doing just that. With the country gearing up to host the Junior World Championship and having done the same back in 2011, Italy possess some experience in playing host to an international rugby tournament. With a number of world-class stadiums involved in their bid, thanks in large part to the hugely popular football teams across the country, arguably Italy could present the most suitable bid today in their current state. With the likes of Ireland, South Africa and the United States of America all supposedly interesting in hosting the showpiece event, Italian authorities will have to present a convincing bid. However, with the experience of hosting two Junior World Championships behind them by the end of this summer, the Italian bid may well seem a viable option for World Rugby.

Bismarck apology: Sharks hooker Bismarck du Plessis has issued an official apology to the rugby public, after evidence arose of his use of foul language during last weekend’s South African derby clash with the Bulls at Loftus Versfeld. Involved in an off-the ball altercation with fellow Springbok Victor Matfield, video evidence picked up by the television cameras, clearly shows Du Plessis launching foul language in the direction of Matfield during a heated exchange. Realising his role as an ambassador for the game for younger fans, Du Plessis has issued an apology to all viewers of last weekend’s game and says he will continue to strive to be a good role model for aspiring players.

Ryan Sheady