Rugby World Cup joy for the country

IRELAND’S successful bid to host the 2017 Women’s Rugby World Cup has been declared a major validation of the country’s ability to host world-class events.

The competition will be held in August 2017 with the group stages being hosted in UCD before moving to Belfast for the knock-outs.

The Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Paschal Donohoe TD, and the Minister of State for Tourism and Sport, Michael Ring TD, welcomed the announcement that Ireland has been chosen to host the Women’s Rugby World Cup in 2017.

Minister Donohoe said:

“I am delighted that Ireland has been chosen to host the Women’s Rugby World Cup in 2017.

“This event is an excellent opportunity to promote women’s sport and to further raise the profile of women’s rugby in Ireland. Women’s rugby is already seeing a significant growth in popularity, thanks to the wonderful success of the Irish women’s team in recent years.

“Today’s announcement is another great boost for Irish sport overall and for women’s participation in it.

?

The minister stated that another benefit of having this event in 2017 is that it will demonstrate to the world rugby community what fantastic hosts the Irish could be for the Rugby World Cup in 2023.

“Work on that bid is continuing and I hope it will be as successful as this one announced today,

? he added.

It was point raised by the Dublin Chamber of Commerce which hopes that the decision will pave the way for Ireland to be selected as the host country for the men’s Rugby World Cup in 2023.

Dublin Chamber of Commerce CEO, Gina Quin said that while it is too early to say how much hosting the tournament will be worth to the local economy, the 2017 matches will provide Dublin and Ireland with a great opportunity to showcase what we have to the world.

“Dublin has considerable experience of hosting major international rugby matches,

? she said.

“World-class facilities combined with a devoted rugby fan-base mean that Ireland is perfectly positioned to deliver the best Women’s Rugby World Cup to date.

?

She added:

“This will come as a welcome boost to businesses in Dublin, particularly the city’s hotels, retailers, bars and restaurants.

?

Cllr Neale Richmond (FG), who combines his political work with his role as Director of Rugby for Old Wesley RFC, also welcomed the announcement.

“For many reasons Dublin is a focal point, not just for Irish rugby, but for the game globally,

? he said.

“This will be the first time a major international rugby tournament has been played in Ireland since 1999 and the first time Ireland will host a rugby world cup.

“Women’s rugby is on a real high in Ireland following a good showing in the 2014 Rugby World Cup as well as securing the 2015 6 Nations title. Hopefully the hosting of this tournament will encourage more young boys and girls to take up the game.

?

He added:

“This tournament will attract hundreds of players and thousands of visiting fans to Dublin in 2017 which provide a huge boost to the local economy.