Italy retract RWC 2023 bid

Editor

Italy withdrew from the Rugby World Cup 2023 host selection process on Wednesday saying it would cost the city of Rome too much money. 

President of the federation of Italian Rugby Alfredo Gavazzi said they are disappointed having to lose their bid but says the situation was out of their hands. 

"As it has always been closely connected to that of the Olympic Games of Rome 2024, the candidacy for the 10th edition of the Rugby World Cup has no more conditions to continue," Alfredo Gavazzi told Stuff.co.nz.

"We remain convinced of the great potential of the Italian bid, which would bring undoubted benefits and necessary improvements in Italian stadiums.

"We are aware that we have missed a fantastic opportunity to further embed our values and our sport in the Italian social fabric, but we have to recognise that as of now there are no grounds to continue this journey."

With Italy pulling out they leave France, Ireland and South Africa left to compete for rugby's most prestigious event.