THE CABINET HAS signed off on plans to further progress its support for an all-Ireland bid to host the Rugby World Cup in ten years’ time.

Transport, Tourism and Sport Minister Leo Varadkar briefed Cabinet ministers on plans to bring the tournament to Ireland in 2023 with games held in the south and north of the island if the IRFU bid is successful.

Cabinet approved plans to approach the Northern Executive – which is also considering the matter – with a view to formally supporting a bid by the IRFU to host the tournament in 2023.

Earlier this week, Varadkar said that a Rugby World Cup would be the “the biggest thing Ireland could do” in terms of international tournaments with the Olympics and the soccer World Cup out of reach.

A study by consultant firm Deloitte has raised hopes that a bid is realistic, after claiming that it would be viable to have a cross-border bid.

Some estimates claim that Ireland could benefit economically to the tune of €800 million.

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