
Football
Share
Published 20:06 27 Jan 2017 GMT
Explore more on these topics:
In return for backing the Welsh bid and hosting a number of games, it was reported that the IRFU received a share of the tournament profits.
A caveat to this agreement was that if those other nations ever hosted the World Cup, including Ireland, then Wales would also receive their share of the subsequent profits.
However, an announcement from The Rugby World Cup Limited Board could potentially hamper Ireland's ability to receive votes.
The announcement states that the board welcome the Welsh Rugby Union's (WRU) decision to "anull the historical agreement with the Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) regarding the hosting of Rugby World Cup 1999."
Although the statement doesn't specifically refer to the agreement relating to a share of tournament profits, it alludes to this as the board state they want to "ensure and protect the integrity of the host selection process, which continues to be conducted in line with the highest standards of transparency, fairness and professionalism."
With the bidding process expected to be decided by the finest of margins, it remains to be seen whether the removal of this historical agreement will impact on the potential votes which Ireland receive.
The full statement from the The Rugby World Cup Limited (RWCL) Board is below.
The Rugby World Cup Limited (RWCL) Board welcomes the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) Board’s decision today to annul the historical agreement with the Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) regarding the hosting of Rugby World Cup 1999. The IRFU is a Rugby World Cup 2023 candidate union and RWCL’s responsibility is to ensure and protect the integrity of the host selection process, which continues to be conducted in line with the highest standards of transparency, fairness and professionalism. RWCL is satisfied that the proactive action taken today by the WRU will appropriately protect the integrity of the Rugby World Cup 2023 host selection process. RWCL would like to thank the IRFU and the WRU for their full cooperation and support.WRU chairman also released the following statement relating to the matter:
“The general consensus from the Board was that, while the WRU had claim to compensation as part of any bid from the IRFU, the spirit of the original agreement has already been fulfilled. “The best thing for the selection process is for us to be able to put an end to any speculation about this historical agreement and we are pleased to do so. “We now look forward to playing our part in maintaining the highest standards of fairness, transparency and professionalism in the RWC 2023 host selection process.”
Live sport on TV in Ireland this weekend – Football, GAA, Rugby – April 24th to 26th
Some huge clashes! The ultimate TV guide for live weekend sport in Ireland is back! It’s another huge week in the Premier League with Arsenal hosting Newcastle, there are a host of massive inter-county championship matches in both hurling and Gaelic football, and there is an intriguing Irish derby in the URC to look forward […]
Football
6h
Huge changes in store as Lions launch bid to tour new countries
This could be massive! The Lions could soon be adding a new country to their list of touring destinations, according to an exclusive report from The Telegraph. The iconic representative team – which combines the best players from Ireland, England, Scotland and Wales – currently tour South Africa, Australia and New Zealand on a rotating […]
Football
11h
Football
Munster statement defends new coach over historical rape accusations
Football