France named host of 2023 Rugby World Cup
France has staged the competition twice before - in 1991 and 2007.
THE World Rugby Council on Wednesday announced that France will host the 2023 Rugby World Cup. Their bid beat off competition from the preferred hosts, South Africa, and Ireland. France has staged the competition twice before – in 1991 and 2007.
Two weeks ago, SA’s bid in London was named as the ‘clear leader’ and ‘unanimous’ choice by the Rugby World Cup board to host the tournament while contenders France and Ireland were rated second and third respectively.
Government’s delegation was headed by Deputy President Ramaphosa, Minister of Sport and Recreation Thulas Nxesi and SA Rugby President Mark Alexander.
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Ireland were eliminated after the first round of voting having received just eight votes. France won the second round with 24, while South Africa received 15.
Watch South Africa’s RWC bid video.
South Africa first hosted the 1995 Rugby World Cup, which saw then president of the country, Nelson Mandela, wearing a Springbok jersey handing the trophy to Springbok captain Francois Pienaar.
This is how Twitter reacted to the news:
Congratulations to France who have been awarded Rugby World Cup 2023 following World Rugby Council's vote #RWC2023 pic.twitter.com/JJ35aDVZVX
— Rugby World Cup (@rugbyworldcup) November 15, 2017
https://twitter.com/EoinDoyle1/status/930785128552558593
Wow!! Seems that both Ireland and SA were so busy trying to score points off each other, they completely forgot about #France2023 #RWC2023 #2023RugbyWorldCup
— liz parker (@lizzyp29) November 15, 2017
France gets 2023. Didn't expect that #2023RugbyWorldCup
— Ormond (@ormondlad) November 15, 2017
France will host the 2023 Rugby World Cup! They have held it twice before in 1991 and 2007. More: @BBCSport https://t.co/EuhnEC8HEp #FRANCE2023 #SA2023 pic.twitter.com/QRSUmUvcqy
— Menzi Kulati (@menzikulati) November 15, 2017
Congratulations to France who have been awarded Rugby World Cup 2023 following World Rugby Council's vote. #RWC2023 pic.twitter.com/U7CH9vwT9d
— DIRCO South Africa (@DIRCO_ZA) November 15, 2017
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