Italy Bid to host 2023 Rugby world cup

[iINDOMINUSxx]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/31755119 I saw this on this site and i couldn't help but post something about as i think this will be massive for Italy if they win the bid. Its football dominance in Italy and to host a big rugby tournament could really be good for them. They are in competition between Ireland, USA and South Africa.

What are your thoughts on this ?

 

[SelimNiai]

I'd prefer it to go with the US. Feel that, in the time before, they have a better chance of a great tournament with big support. Main issue I can see is it'll probably have to be held between Feb and August/September to ensure the NFL/College football grass feilds are free.

 

[TRF_stormer2010]

I'd have said SA is an easy pick and for obvious reasons I am of course stillhhoping for us but I can see politics and an even weakening exchange rate do us in T_T

 

[ncurd]

Probably better to do it in high interest rugby area, possibly Ireland?

Main reason is next world cup is Japan, probably best to switch it alternately between Top 8 Tier 1 teams and everyone else.

 

[profitius]

Italy would be a great place to hold it depending on the crowds they could get. Nice place to go for visiting fans.

 

[William18]

The only question for Italy is what sort of stadiums they can put up with their bid. If Italy can find a way to get some top quality stadiums available then they should get the World Cup. Italy is a fantastic location for people from Europe to travel to and it would give rugby a much needed shot in the arm in Italy.

 

[McTallshort]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/31755119 I saw this on this site and i couldn't help but post something about as i think this will be massive for Italy if they win the bid. Its football dominance in Italy and to host a big rugby tournament could really be good for them. They are in competition between Ireland, USA and South Africa.

What are your thoughts on this ?

I will be 48 and hopefully going and would for selfish reason want South Africa but Italy would do I suppose.....

When do the Lions play in SA next?

 

[iINDOMINUSxx]

The only question for Italy is what sort of stadiums they can put up with their bid. If Italy can find a way to get some top quality stadiums available then they should get the World Cup. Italy is a fantastic location for people from Europe to travel to and it would give rugby a much needed shot in the arm in Italy.

Im sure they can use the San Siro for some games as they have played rugby there before. The Stadio Olimpico would host the final i would assume.

 

[William18]

Im sure they can use the San Siro for some games as they have played rugby there before. The Stadio Olimpico would host the final i would assume.

The Rugby World Cup falls during the Serie A season. Trying to use the San Siro which has games every week basically from two of the best supported clubs in Europe is very difficult. Ditto Stadio Olimpico. I think I read that Milan are trying to build a new stadium. If that is the case then that gives the organisers some flex. In 2011 Westpac Stadium could not host any other sports team for the duration of the tournament. This rule seems to have been relaxed for 2015 as it seems that several soccer stadiums will be used in England. Either way I think scheduling games could be difficult. You would need to at least get the football clubs on board to make any tournament feasible. The 2015 World Cup seems to use 5 or 6 football stadiums and only Newcastle, Aston Villa and Manchester City are playing in the top division (Leicester have no chance). An Italian World Cup could affect maybe 10 or so top division football clubs.

I'm sure you can work around it but this isn't a problem in South Africa and it isn't a problem in Ireland because the GAA seem right behind the bid.

EDIT: I just had another look at the 2015 draw.

All of the KO games are at stadiums with no football club as a tenant.

Manchester will only host one game, Newcastle will host three and Birmingham two. Leeds will host two, Leicester three, Brighton two and Milton Keynes three. Only 16 of the 48 games will be played at stadiums with a football club as a major tenant.

 

[Rugga-lad]

This could be fantastic for Italy. Would be really happy for them if they get it, but won't be too disappointing if the USA gets it.