World Cup to France

[Banquo]

discuss

[Digby]

plus ca change

[fivepointer]

A little surprised. I thought SA were in pole position to host it.

[Mellsblue]

Makes it easier to get to. I really wanted Ireland to get it. The ‘independent’ board was a farce.

[Which Tyler]

The only part of the result I agree with is that SA were 2nd choice

[Scrumhead]

Makes it easier to get to. I really wanted Ireland to get it. The ‘independent’ board was a farce.

Agreed. France will be a LOT easier to get to than South Africa.

[Oakboy]

France has it again after just 16 years? That seems on the lucky side of fair but doesn't bother me as such.

[Puja]

It's almost worthwhile taking Rowan off ignore so I can go and see the meltdown.

This does strike me as the worst possible solution. I would've been happy with either SA or Ireland as they each had good points in their favour. France has money and that's pretty much it.

Puja

[Mellsblue]

It's almost worthwhile taking Rowan off ignore so I can go and see the meltdown.

France has money and that's pretty much it.

Puja

He’s taking it annoyingly well.

As it’s pretty much the only income stream for those below tier 1 the money is not to be sniffed at. Should’ve been Ireland, though.

[Mellsblue]

From the BBC:
‘England backed the Irish bid but Wales supported South Africa and Scotland went with France’.

I believe the Irish voted for Uzbekistan.

[Puja]

True. And a big payday for 2023 improves the chances of taking a flyer on an emerging country for 2027. Argentina will be the favourites, but if USA can get their latest domestic professional league up and running for more than one season, then they'd be an interesting call.

Puja

[Digby]

Supposed big nations who could host in 2027 would be SA, the Aussies and? Argies and Italy might fancy a crack

[Mellsblue]

I’d be very happy with Argentina or Italy. I’d love to hire a classic Ferrari/Alfa and drive round Italy stopping in at matches on the way. I’d also love to go to Argentina and hire a....umm....errr....donkey and take in a few matches.

[Puja]

Supposed big nations who could host in 2027 would be SA, the Aussies and? Argies and Italy might fancy a crack

Surely they couldn't go to Italy straight after going to France?! I know the IRB has a fairly European bias, but having three from four tournaments in the same continent would surely never fly?

Wouldn't begrudge SA a go at 2027, although it would seem a missed opportunity to go somewhere a little more risky after the financial security provided by France.

Puja

[francoisfou]

C'est scandaleux!

[zer0]