Ireland's team bidding to host Rugby World Cup 2023 has submitted its formal bid document (Candidature File), promising a 'tournament like no other, full of Irish spirit, that will capture the imagination of the world and help to drive rugby's global momentum'.

Ready For The World - www.irishrugby.ie/ireland2023

The Candidature File is a massively detailed document in which the Irish bid team chronicles Ireland's outstanding attributes as a host for the Rugby World Cup in 2023, including all the key Government commitments required by World Rugby.

The 990-page document sets out the plans that will deliver unprecedented commercial success and help unlock and engage new audiences for rugby, including through the infrastructure of the worldwide Irish diaspora. The Candidature File was submitted to World Rugby headquarters by a delegation led by 'Bid Kid' Alex Place from Templepatrick, Co. Antrim.

The 11-year-old was one of 120 children carrying flags to represent every rugby playing nation of the world, who joined with Dick Spring, Chairman of Ireland's RWC 2023 Bid Oversight Board, IRFU President Stephen Hilditch, the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport Shane Ross TD, Bid Ambassador Brian O'Driscoll, Ireland head coach Joe Schmidt and members of all the Irish international rugby teams to hand deliver the landmark document.

Alex, in formally submitting the document, said: "It is a great honour to present this bid document to World Rugby on behalf of all the people of Ireland."

Dick Spring, Chairman of Ireland's RWC 2023 Bid Oversight Board, stated: "This bid represents the hopes and aspirations of the entire Island and is focused very firmly on the future, as symbolised by the children who were front and centre of the bid submission today.

"It presents World Rugby with a compelling proposition that combines all the advantages of a traditional rugby market with the many opportunities of a new one.

"Rugby is hugely popular in Ireland and growing, from this platform Irish sports fans will light up the tournament in the manner they have lit up so many international events around the world over the years, making it memorable for all."

Stephen Hilditch, President of the Irish Rugby Football Union, believes the time is right for Ireland to host a Rugby World Cup. "Ireland has never hosted a Rugby World Cup and we believe choosing Ireland as a first-time host would be a forward-looking step for World Rugby and a signal that rugby is a truly global game for all," he said.

"We were inspired to mount this bid by New Zealand's wonderful hosting of the 2011 tournament and believe that our 'Global Stadium' concept will bring a unique cultural dimension to the tournament, acting as a powerful catalyst to rugby's worldwide growth.

"Our bid combines the operational benefits of a small but dynamic and influential island with the exciting possibilities of an unprecedented international reach for World Rugby. It is a thrilling prospect for all."

Ireland's RWC 2023 Bid involves a 990-page document covering every logistical aspect of staging a Rugby World Cup including:

Bid Vision

The promise of a tournament like no other, full of Irish spirit and commercial success, which will connect and engage the worldwide diaspora in support of rugby's global development.

Commitment

A full commitment from the Government of Ireland and the Northern Ireland Executive to support RWC 2023 as required by RWCL, including the payment of the Stg£120 million tournament fee.

The tournament will be a priority for the island of Ireland.

No other major international sporting event will be staged here in the years immediately surrounding RWC 2023.

A historic commitment from the GAA to make their iconic match venues available.

Commercial Proposition

Commitments from Irish and International companies to fully support the RWC 2023 sponsorship programme and deliver unprecedented revenues to World Rugby.

An overall positive economic impact on the Island of Ireland of more than €;1.5 billion.

Match Venues

World class, iconic venues set in the hearts of cities and towns; the perfect combination to accommodate the various match capacity requirements of a Rugby World Cup, including Croke Park, the third largest sporting venue in Europe.

Packed venues for every match with millions of enthusiastic fans.

Short travel distances between host venues and training bases maximising the preparation and playing experience for all players and teams.

Visitor Welcome

Ireland is globally recognised as a major tourist destination, welcoming 10.6 million visitors in 2016.

A projected 445,000+ visitors will travel to Ireland for the tournament.

Ireland has in place all of the infrastructure including access and a range of accommodation options to comfortably accommodate all visitors to RWC 2023.

In excess of 12.2 million bed night options are available during the tournament window against a maximum number of 2.7 million bed nights actually required.

In addition, a historic agreement is in place with Ireland's hotel industry committing to an agreed pricing mechanism.

Accessibility

Ireland has excellent international connectivity, with 44 million passengers passing through Ireland's airports in 2016.

Global Network

Ireland has an unrivalled global network numbering some 70 million people in the diaspora worldwide, including circa 40 million people in North America, a key strategic market for World Rugby

Ready For The World - www.irishrugby.ie/ireland2023

Ireland formally delivers its bid to host a Rugby World Cup 'like no other'

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