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.

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

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