Ireland’s bidding team are refusing to give up on hosting the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
Irish hopes have been dashed with the news that South Africa has been unanimously recommended to stage the tournament.
An evaluation report handed the Rainbow Nation the highest score across the five key criteria.
France came second with Ireland trailing in third.
The final decision will be made by the World Rugby Council who will vote in London on the 15th November.
Former Ireland international Tipperary’s Alan Quinlan feels it is no real surprise the bid came up short.
