Páraic Duffy to sit on Ireland 2023 Rugby World Cup bid board

The IRFU, along with the Irish Government and the Northern Ireland executive, have announced a number of appointments to Ireland's 2023 Rugby World Cup bid board.

With the Women’s Rugby World Cup on its way to Ireland attention now turns to trying to bring the men’s flagship competition to the country in eight years time.

The Oversight board will be charged with the task of approving bid strategy, overseeing progress and liaising with the IRFU and both Governments.

On the board is Páraic Duffy, Director General of the GAA, with the prospective bid likely to include the use of a number of Gaelic Games stadiums as well as rugby grounds.

Former Ireland captain and the most-capped test player of all time Brian O’Driscoll is also on the board, in the role of bid ambassador.

The board will be chaired by Dick Spring, former Ireland international and Tanaiste while Dr David Dobbi, chairman of the management committe of the IRFU's Ulster branch will deputise.

The 2023 host selection process will be formally launched at Twickenham in June and will last for two years, with a decision being announced in May 2017.

With this year’s World Cup taking place in England and the 2019 edition heading to Japan the favourites in the running for 2023 are South Africa, however Ireland could also face competition from Italy.

On the announcement of the bid board IRFU chief executive Philip Browne said: "This is a very exciting opportunity for Ireland and while competition will be fierce for what is one of the most prized events in world sport, we will leave no stone unturned in putting together a world class case for Ireland to host what would be a hugely successful Rugby World Cup in 2023.

“We already have unqualified support from every quarter, with both Governments fully behind the bid.

“Ireland’s record in supporting international events and fixtures shows that we could look forward to full stadia throughout the tournament with the perfect mix of stadia in place, from intimate venues suitable for Pool matches, right up to Croke Park with its 82,000 capacity and all within easy travelling distance of one another.”