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Head of IRFU fires shots at Wales and Scotland over RWC betrayal
By Ian Cameron
The head of the IRFU, Philip Browne, has thrown serious shade at Scotland and Wales over their lack of support for Ireland’s RWC2023 bid.
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Browne did however thank England for their vote in the immediate aftermath of yesterday’s Rugby World Cup announcement.
The World Rugby Council awarded Rugby World Cup 2023 to France, which was selected following two rounds of voting during its interim meeting in London.
France received 24 votes to South Africa’s 15 in the final round of voting. In the first round, France received 18 votes to South Africa’s 13 and Ireland’s eight.
The Irish Times reported Browne’s comments, which won’t exactly foster any goodwill between the IRFU and their neighbouring Unions.
“It’s very disappointing. It was particularly disappointing that Scotland and Wales didn’t support their nearest neighbours.
“We’re partners in the Pro14, you would have thought they’d at least support us, but as I said in the press conference, Scotland went for the money and Wales went out of solidarity with Gareth Davies. England supported us and we have to thank England for that.”
Following today’s vote, France will be hosting rugby’s showcase men’s event for the second time and hosting the 10th edition of the event 200 years after William Webb Ellis gave birth to the sport.
World Rugby Chairman Bill Beaumont said: “Congratulations to France on being elected Rugby World Cup 2023 host. They presented a very strong and comprehensive bid, which clearly resonated with the Council today.
“We had three outstanding host candidates, who raised the bar and overwhelmingly demonstrated that they were all capable of hosting an exceptional Rugby World Cup. There was very little to choose between the candidates and this was reflected in the independently-audited evaluation report.
“I would like to pay tribute to Ireland and South Africa for their dedication throughout a rigorous, and transparent process and hope that they will bid again. We now look forward to working in partnership with France to deliver what I am sure will be a very successful Rugby World Cup in 2023.”
