Back in November 2017, when World Rugby was convening in a London hotel to decide which of the three bids would be successful in hosting the 2023 Rugby World Cup , well, the world was a different place. As ever, there was particular annoyance and disappointment among the unsuccessful bids, namely from South Africa and Ireland. Six years' work by both governments either side of the Border, and with the GAA supporting the IRFU's bid, and plenty of giddy optimism, yielded only a paltry eight votes and with that a first-round exit before the French bid was chosen ahead of South Africa's.

https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/2023/08/31/gerry-thornley-to-win-the-rugby-world-cup-ireland-must-overcome-history-and-a-harsh-draw/

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