Cape Town - France, Ireland and South Africa say they have submitted formal bids to host the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
Final bid papers had to be delivered to World Rugby by Thursday and the winning bid will be announced on November 15.
France hosted in 2007 and put on games at the 1991 and 1999 tournaments.
South Africa last hosted in 1995.
Ireland has never been the sole host, but also staged games in 1991 and 1999.
French
bidders said they will utilise nine "ultra-modern" stadiums built or
renovated for last year's European soccer championship.
Ireland
aims to hold games in the Irish republic and Northern Ireland. The Irish
bid team said it secured government commitments required by rugby's
governing body amid reports that legislation would need to be rushed
through the Irish parliament to guarantee financial backing.
South
Africa, who failed in three successive bids to host the 2011, 2015
and 2019 World Cups, would stage the 2023 final at the FNB Stadium in Soweto, the showpiece venue for the 2010 Soccer World Cup.
All
three countries have promised profitable tournaments in an era where
the financial repercussions of hosting major sports events have come
under scrutiny.
France said its tournament would provide $350 million in revenue for World Rugby.
The successful country would have to pay World Rugby a tournament hosting fee of $150 million (R1.94bn).
The
last Rugby World Cup in 2015 was hosted in England and Wales, and the
event will be in Japan in 2019, possibly establishing South Africa as
favorite to host again, 28 years after its 1995 tournament.
South
Africa's reputation for organising sports events has been tarnished,
though, by being stripped of the 2022 Commonwealth Games. Last year, the
government banned South African rugby from bidding for major events.
The ban was lifted last month in time for the rugby union to go ahead
with its bid.
The three candidates will make presentations to World Rugby in late September ahead of the final decision in November.