LONDON (Reuters) - Ireland, France and South Africa all promised millions in the bank, great stadiums and "the best tournament ever" before figuratively plucking on the emotional heartstrings as they sought to earn the right to host the 2023 Rugby World Cup. The host nation for the 10th edition of the event will be announced on Nov. 15 though it would be a huge surprise if the Council of the sport's governing body World Rugby were to go against the World Cup board, which will declare its recommended candidate on Oct. 31. The 2015 World Cup in England set records in terms of ticket sales, TV viewing figures and income but Japan, hosts of the first Asian World Cup in 2019, will make much less money. The sight of Nelson Mandela in a Springbok shirt presenting the Webb Ellis Cup to Francois Pienaar as South Africa triumphed on home soil in 1995 is probably the most iconic image in the tournament's history. South Africa, which successfully hosted soccer's World Cup in 2010, has the infrastructure and "destination appeal" for fans, though political instability, magnified since the government withdrew support for Durban's 2022 Commonwealth Games bid, would appear its weak link.

Source: The Star September 25, 2017 12:56 UTC