Reaction – Ireland secure just 8 votes from 39 as France win the bid to host the 2023 World Cup

France will host the 2023 Rugby World Cup after being named the winner of a secret World Rugby council ballot in London on Wednesday.

Ireland secured just 8 votes in the first round of voting, in comparison to 18 for France and South Africa’s 13, and were eliminated. France then won the head-to-head against South Africa by 24 to 15.

South Africa had been favourites to earn the rights to host the competition, having been recommended by World Rugby’s independent evaluation report.

President of SA Rugby Mark Alexander expressed his disappointment after the decision. “We are bitterly disappointed at this decision and would like to apologise to the people and government of South Africa for raising their hopes.”

“We did everything in our power to bring the tournament to South Africa.”

Both Ireland and France had protested the outcome of the report which was released a fortnight ago.

IRTV: Philip Browne reaction to the #RWC2023 decision. pic.twitter.com/RJ0F9hq6MV

— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) November 15, 2017

There’s been a mixed reaction to the news on social media following the news.

Wow,Congrats France,but really,I didn’t see that coming!

— Breyton Paulse (@BreytonPaulse) November 15, 2017

https://twitter.com/IzzeTusur/status/930786207960850432

This is a clear case of the BEST Man Losing. Bitterly disappointing to say the least. #RWC2023

— Nathan Jacobs (@teamjpf) November 15, 2017

https://twitter.com/Khwali\_Vuyo/status/930786207096868865

Big difference in 2nd round of voting was Home Nations supporting France.

— Brenden Nel (@Brendennel) November 15, 2017

Congratulations #France2023 bonne chance

— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) November 15, 2017

even before announcing this, Beaumont endorsed "the most transparent and comprehensive process" – and then his membership voted against the recommendation

— owenslotTheTimes (@owenslot) November 15, 2017