World Rugby has officially confirmed Ireland as one of three host candidates for the Rugby World Cup 2023. The decision followed an application phase evaluation which focused on key criteria such as finance, venues, tournament windows and government support. The other host candidates are France and South Africa. Italy initially signalled its intention to enter the bidding process but withdrew last week, leaving Ireland as the only host candidate which has not hosted the tournament before.

Ireland, France and South Africa will move to the candidate phase on 1 November 2016. Submissions will be evaluated by a World Rugby technical review group and the outcome will then be independently assessed to ensure a fair and consistent approach to the evaluation process. The host for the Rugby World Cup 2023 will be selected in November 2017.