WORLD RUGBY MEDIA RELEASE:World Rugby announces Rugby World Cup 2023 host selection timelines

The Rugby World Cup 2023 host nation will be announced in May 2017 following announcement by World Rugby of the host selection process and timelines for rugby’s showcase event.

With the Rugby World Cup brand going from strength to strength and England 2015 on track to be a special and record-breaking global celebration of rugby and the host nation, interest in hosting rugby’s showcase event is high.

The expression of interest phase of the process will be launched on 14 May, 2015 and close on 15 June, 2015, providing prospective hosts with a year to benefit from the detailed knowledge-sharing and preparation window ahead of the release of tender documentation in May 2016.

A new step in the process will see interested unions invited to participate in a workshop in June 2015 to discuss all aspects of Rugby World Cup hosting. Detailed tender information will be sent to all interested unions in May 2016, while the deadline for confirmation of a union to tender has been set for June 2016.

The announcement of the Rugby World Cup 2023 host union in May 2017 will provide the successful country with six years to deliver the event and maximise the benefits of observing the delivery of Japan 2019, the first Rugby World Cup to be hosted in Asia.

The new timetable will also enable tournament owners Rugby World Cup Limited (a wholly owned subsidiary of World Rugby) to extensively review all bids against criteria and for the RWC Board to deliver a detailed recommendation that will be good for the ongoing prosperity and development of rugby worldwide.

World Rugby Chairman Bernard Lapasset said: "Rugby World Cup is one of the world’s most recognisable and popular major sports events. With a six-week global shop window, upwards of 500,000 international visitors, multiple sporting, social and tourism benefits, economic benefits of up to £2 billion and minimal infrastructure overlay, it is also an attractive event for potential hosts.

"Today’s announcement is great news for Rugby World Cup and for our member unions. The host selection process gives unions a clear timetable to consult with relevant stakeholders, including national and regional government, deliver feasibility studies and hone their bids to host an event that truly delivers the platform to promote and grow rugby around the world.

"The fact that several unions and nations have publicly expressed a serious interest in hosting Rugby World Cup 2023 prior to these details being announced, further underscores the strength of the Rugby World Cup brand in the global major event marketplace. This announcement brings to life their plans."

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