BREAKING: France to host 2023 Rugby World Cup

South African rugby fans will not be dancing out of their socks tonight, after it was announced that France will host the 2023 Rugby World Cup.

World Rugby made the announcement in London on 15 November, as rugby union and government officials from France and other hopefuls, South African and Ireland, were present.

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South Africa has only ever hosted the tournament once, in 1995, where we beat New Zealand 15–12 in a scintillating final that many will still remember as an event that supported social cohesion at a difficult time in our history.

World Rugby’s technical review group had found South Africa’s bid for the world cup to be the strongest.

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Sport pundits and fans alike had also predominantly tipped South Africa to host the world cup as our infrastructure and stadiums are in good condition, and previous international sporting events hosted in South Africa have proved successful.

France had also hosted the 2007 Rugby World Cup, which seemed too recent to host another.

It is a no brainer for @WorldRugby the @rugbyworldcup must return to @Springboks after 28 years! #RWC2023 #SSRugby @SpringboksFans pic.twitter.com/DbmuIyEZOa

— Chris van Zyl (@Chris_van_Zyl) November 15, 2017

South Africa also put forward a bid to host the 2011 World Cup, but lost out to New Zealand, who ended up winning the tournament.

Today is a big day for us,Let’s hope for the best SA 🇿🇦🙏🏻 #southafrica2023

— Breyton Paulse (@BreytonPaulse) November 15, 2017

https://twitter.com/Malavi_Mapimele/status/930642675107319808

New Zealand will feel confident about retaining their title after another good year of rugby, which was perhaps only tarnished slightly by a few tough games against the British and Irish Lions, and Australia in the Super Rugby competition.