15 Reasons why Ireland MUST host the 2023 Rugby World Cup

Ireland is in a three-horse race with France and South Africa for the right to stage the 2023 Rugby World Cup.

1. South Africa and France have already staged Rugby World Cups in 1995 and 2007 respectively; a new nation deserves their chance to play host.

2. It would be an opportunity to showcase to the world the many beautiful stadiums Ireland has to offer

3. They Actually Beat the All Blacks

Might be the only team that can stop New Zealand winning a third consecutive Rugby World Cup.

4.The Fans

5. Hosting is what the Irish specialise in – tourists, businesses, friends and relatives are welcomed with open arms

6. They'd have lots of Guinness

7.Father Ted - not sure how this relates but it's amazing.

8. Few countries can boast the rich heritage of famous clubs such as Leinster, Munster, and Ulster.

9. With that heritage goes a long history of cross-city banter...but they love and respect each other when necessary

10.The country has been home to a lengthy list of rugby greats such as Brian O'Driscoll, Paul O'Connell and Ronan O'Gara

11. It has some amazing landmarks

12. They've won two of the last three Six Nations

13. The Culture

Nobel Prize winners, great musicians, wonderful storytellers, no place on earth can match them.

14. Some of the best music in the world

Modern artists from U2, Hozier and even Niall Horan from One Direction are known globally while the traditional music scene in the local pub is second to none.

15. Plus the Irish invented whiskey