Italy Cancels Rugby World Cup Bid

In a stunning move the Italian Rugby Federation (FIR) has terminated its bid to host Rugby World Cup 2023.

The decision was taken by the FIR and the Promoting Committee following consultation with the Italian Government and the Italian Olympic Committee.

“Our candidature has always been strictly connected to the Olympic Games bid for Rome 2024 and, as agreed with the Goverment and the Olympic Committee, we are unable to provide necessary commitments for us to move forward,” said FIR President Alfredo Gavazzi said.

“We remain convinced of the strength of our bid and are well aware of the benefits that hosting the Rugby World Cup would have brought to Italy. We’re conscious to lose a fantastic chance to promote our values and our sport in our country, but we must sadly accept that today we can no longer move forward with our bid.”

“I’d like to thank the Olympic Committe President Giovanni Malagò, who has supported our bid right from the start. We know he’s disappointed, as we are, for losing such a great chance. I’d also like to thank the venues and the municipalities who showed great interest in being part of the bid” Gavazzi added.

This leaves France, Ireland and South Africa as the three countries bidding to host the tournament in 2023. All have previously hosted in one capacity of another. France was the prime host in 2027 and South Africa the solo host in 1995. Ireland sub-hosted matches in 1991 and 1999. France also hosted matches these years.