SA loses bid to host 2023 Rugby World Cup
The World Rugby Council has announced France as the host of the 2023 Rugby World Cup - with South Africa falling short.
World Rugby Council chairperson, Bill Beaumont made the announcement a short while ago at the Royal Garden Hotel in London.
South Africa competed against France and Ireland as potential host countries.
SA hosted the 1995 tournament. Today's outcome is the fourth unsuccessful bid as host nation including that of the 2011, 2015 and 2019 tournaments.
Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa and Sports Minister Thulas Nxesi were in attendance at the briefing.
The Rugby World Cup Board last month recommended SA as their preferred candidate.
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During the briefing that followed the announcement, Beaumont said the final selection process was transparent.
Members of the World Rugby Council had the final vote. In the first round - France scored 18 points, Ireland - 8 and South Africa - 13. In the second round of votes - France scored 24 and South Africa - 15.
SA Rugby's Mark Alexander says they're 'bitterly disappointed' by the decision. He says the rugby union did everything in their power to bring the tournament to the country.
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