Italy withdraw from RWC 2023 host bid

Italy’s FIR have announced that they are withdrawing from the bid to host the 2023 Rugby World Cup.

The announcement from Italy leaves just France, South Africa and Ireland as the three nations bidding to host the tournament.

Ireland have never fully hosted the tournament but have hosted pools and matches while South Africa hosted it in 1995 and France in 2007.

In a statement from World Rugby the body said that, “While it is disappointing that the FIR feels unable to proceed, World Rugby fully understands the decision and hopes to see Italy join the process for future Rugby World Cup hosting.”

“The host selection process continues with three strong applications currently being evaluated by a World Rugby Technical Review Group. The outcomes of the evaluation will be independently assessed to ensure a fair and consistent approach. ”

“Applicants that meet the criteria outlined will move to the candidate phase on 1 November. The Rugby World Cup 2023 host will be selected in November 2017.