Mayo stadium on list for Rugby World Cup

WORLD Cup rugby could be coming to Mayo's MacHale Park.

The chairman of Ireland's RWC 2023 Bid Oversight Board, Dick Spring, has today (Tuesday) formally announced Ireland's entry into the 'Candidate' phase of the selection process to determine the host for the 2023 Rugby World Cup.

Addressing a gathering at the Aviva Stadium, Mr. Spring said this is a wonderful opportunity for Ireland to host one of the world's biggest sporting events 'and we intend to ensure Ireland's proposition will be world class and compelling'.

He stated: “We believe Ireland is ready to stage a Rugby World Cup like no other. A tournament that will capture the imagination of the world. A festival of rugby that will be full of Irish people's unique spirit and an event that will help rugby to reach new audiences throughout the world.”

The GAA has placed its grounds at the disposal of the tournament, a key factor in Ireland's ability to bid for the tournament. Currently there are 12 potential venues on Ireland's 'Long List', ultimately reducing to 8/10 venues for the tournament staging - Croke Park (83,200), Aviva Stadium (51,711), RDS Arena (18,677), Nowlan Park, Kilkenny (26,000), Pairc Ui Chaoimh (45,770), Thomond Park (26,897), FitzGerald Stadium, Killarney (38,200), Pearse Stadium, Galway (34,000), MacHale Park, Castlebar (31,000), Casement Park (34,500) Kingspan Stadium (18,168), and Celtic Park, Derry (17,000).

A 90 second video 'Ready for the World' (#Ireland2023) has been produced to encapsulate the spirit and theme of the Irish bid, narrated by Liam Neeson.

The selection process will run from now until November 2017, when World Rugby will decide on the successful candidate to host the 2023 Rugby World Cup. During that period a detailed technical evaluation of the candidates will take place, with final proposals being submitted in June and a presentation to World Rugby scheduled for October.