Executive supports Ireland’s entry to Candidate Phase to host the 2023 Rugby World Cup

The deputy First Minister, Martin McGuinness and Economy Minister, Simon Hamilton have delivered a commitment by the Executive to support the bid to host the 2023 Rugby World Cup.

RWC 2023

The Ministers represented the Executive as Ireland’s entry into the ‘Candidate’ phase of the selection process to determine the host for the 2023 Rugby World Cup was formally announced at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin.

The deputy First Minister, Martin McGuinness said: “The 2023 Rugby World Cup bid is a bid for all the people of Ireland and the Executive will make every effort to make it a winning bid.

“We have a proven track record of hosting major global events including the G8, Giro d’Italia, MTV Music Awards, the World Police and Fire Games, the Clipper round the World Yacht Race and the Irish Open Golf Championship. 

“This is a collective effort and I commend the GAA for placing its grounds at the disposal of the tournament, a key factor in Ireland’s ability to bid for the tournament. 

“It is estimated some 445,000 are predicted to travel to Ireland for the tournament so it would be of immense benefit to the economy. 

“Worldwide TV audiences for the 2015 Rugby World Cup in England reached some four billion people which offers global exposure money simply can’t buy.

“We have both the experience and expertise to deliver and given the massive economic, tourism and sporting significance we won’t be found wanting in our preparations.”

Economy Minister, Simon Hamilton said: “To bring the Rugby World Cup 2023 to our shores would be a great sporting achievement.  

“Our bid not only has the support of both governments, the rugby and sporting fraternity are behind it and we all want to see it through from this exciting and important stage to a successful hosting of the tournament in seven years time.     

“We have experience in delivering major events and next year we will have the opportunity to host the Women’s Rugby World Cup with the play-off games and finals set to be played at Queen's University and the Kingspan Stadium in Belfast. This will further demonstrate our ability to host major sports events as well as being a huge boost for sport. 

“We witnessed the success of the England 2015 tournament and we are committed and poised to deliver a unique and historic Rugby World Cup in 2023 that will live long in the memory of local people and fans from across the globe.”

The selection process will run from now until November 2017, when World Rugby will decide on the successful candidate to host the 2023 Rugby World Cup. During that period a detailed technical evaluation of the candidates will take place, with final proposals being submitted in June and a presentation to World Rugby scheduled for October.

Notes to editors: 

1. List of venues, by Province, being considered as part of Ireland’s bid (12):

Croke Park (83,200), Aviva Stadium (51,711), RDS Arena (18,677), Nowlan Park Kilkenny (26,000), Pairc Ui Chaoimh (45,770), Thomond Park (26,897), FitzGerald Stadium Killarney (38,200), Pearse Stadium Galway (34,000), McHale Park Castlebar (31,000), Casement Park (34,500) Kingspan Stadium (18,168), Celtic Park Derry/Londonderry (17,000).

2. The voter group consists of the World Rugby Council.

3. It is projected the tournament would be worth €800million + to the economy of the island.

4. Some 445,000 visitors are predicted to travel to Ireland for the tournament.

5. World Wide TV audiences for the 2015 RWC in England reached some four billion.

6. Media enquiries to The Executive Office press office on 028 9037 8201. Out of office hours, please contact the duty press office via pager number 07623 974 383 and your call will be returned.

7. Follow us on Twitter @niexecutive.

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