Italy confirm bid to host World Cup in 2023

Italy have confirmed they will bid to host Rugby World Cup in 2023, becoming the first nation to cement their opposition to Ireland.



The Italian Rugby Federation (FIR) has vowed to formalise its bid to stage the 2023 global contest when World Rugby starts accepting bids in May.



Ireland asserted themselves as the first Test nation ready to bid to host the World Cup in eight years' time at the tail-end of last year.



South Africa, who hosted the tournament in 1995, and the USA are also expected to ratify their bids in due course, now World Rugby has confirmed the application process.


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