As the Deputy will be aware, the Government and the Northern Ireland Executive announced their support last December for the preparation of a bid for the Rugby World Cup in 2023. The bid process is being overseen by a high level Oversight Board, chaired by Mr. Dick Spring, former Tánaiste and former Irish rugby international. The IRFU has begun its preparatory work on the bid and has procured experts to advise on certain aspects of the bid. Both Governments will be working closely with the IRFU and its advisors to ensure that a bid of excellent quality is lodged with World Rugby.
The venues that will be proposed as part of the final bid are not yet known.