WORLD CUP 2023: It is FRANCE
The shock announcement was made in London on Wednesday after the World Rugby delegates voted.
They voted against South Africa, despite a strong recommendation in favour of South Africa.
In order to be chosen, the successful bidder needed a simple majority of 20 out of the 39 remaining votes – France, Ireland and South Africa were barred from participating in the ballot.
In the first round of voting France accumulated 18 votes, South Africa 13 and Ireland eight.
Ireland dropped out and in the second round of votes, France got 24 votes against the 15 of SA.
France will be hosting rugby’s showcase men’s event for the second time and hosting the 10th edition of the event 200 years after William Webb Ellis gave birth to the sport.
The tournament also comes a year before France hosts the 2024 Olympic Games.
World Rugby Chairman Bill Beaumont said: "Congratulations to France on being elected Rugby World Cup 2023 host.
"They presented a very strong and comprehensive bid, which clearly resonated with the Council.
"We had three outstanding host candidates, who raised the bar and overwhelmingly demonstrated that they were all capable of hosting an exceptional Rugby World Cup. There was very little to choose between the candidates and this was reflected in the independently-audited evaluation report.
