TWELVE potential venues which could be used if Ireland’s bid for the 2023 Rugby World Cup is successful were announced on Tuesday and a Kerry stadium has been included.

The  grounds were revealed as Ireland’s entry into the ’Candidate Phase,’ was announced by chairman of the 2023 bid oversight board, Dick Spring.

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Fitzgerald Stadium in Killarney was included along with seven other GAA grounds and four venues already used for rugby matches.

Mr Spring said: “This is a wonderful opportunity for Ireland to host one of the world’s biggest sporting events and we intend to ensure Ireland’s proposition will be world class and compelling.

“We believe Ireland is ready to stage a Rugby World Cup like no other. A tournament that will capture the imagination of the world. A festival of rugby that will be full of Irish people’s unique spirit and an event that will help rugby to reach new audiences throughout the world.”

According to Irish Rugby, hosting the Rugby World Cup would be worth more than €800 million to the Irish economy, with 445,000 visitors expected to travel to Ireland throughout the tournament.

 

The 12 venues are Croke Park (83,200), Aviva Stadium (51,711), RDS Arena (18,677), Nowlan Park Kilkenny (26,000), Pairc Ui Chaoimh (45,770), Thomond Park (26,897), FitzGerald Stadium Killarney (38,200), Pearse Stadium Galway (34,000), McHale Park Castlebar (31,000), Casement Park (34,500) Kingspan Stadium (18,168), Celtic Park Derry (17,000).