Italy Withdraw From 2023 Bidding Process

Italy’s governing body, FIR has withdrawn its application to host Rugby World Cup 2023 as a direct consequence of Rome’s withdrawal from bidding for the 2024 Olympics. The Italian rugby federation (FIR) said the two bids had been closely linked and it was not possible to carry on. "As it has always been closely connected to that of the Olympic Games of Rome 2024, the candidacy for the 10th edition of the Rugby World Cup has no more conditions to continue," said FIR president Alfredo Gavazzi. "We remain convinced of the great potential of the Italian bid, which would bring undoubted benefits an…