Q. When do the three unions hand over their bids to World Rugby?
A. The deadline for submission of the candidate file is June 1st, 2017.
Q. Who does the bid go to?
A. Rugby World Cup Limited/World Rugby, who then evaluate the bids and, in due course, make a recommendation to World Rugby Council (once the evaluation has been independently assessed).
Q. What are they looking for in the bid? Is it competence in the same seven areas as before?
A. Yes, the same seven areas will be what the Council will look at. They are: 1. Venues and infrastructure commensurate with a top-tier major event. 2. Comprehensive and enforceable public and private sector guarantees. 3. A commercially successful event with a fully funded, robust financial model. 4. Operational excellence through an integrated and experienced delivery team. 5. A vision that engages and inspires domestic and international audiences and contributes to the growth of rugby at all levels. 6. An enabling environment of political and financial stability that respects the diversity of Rugby World Cup’s global stakeholders. 7. An environment and climate suited to top-level sport in a geography that allows maximum fan mobility.
Q. Are there any other factors else taken in consideration?
A. Yes there are. The host candidates have the opportunity to present to World Rugby Council in October 2017 and they can also highlight anything else they feel should be taken into account.
Q. Is there a vote taken?
A. Yes.
Q. Who votes on the bids and how many votes are there?
A. As regards voting the numbers will almost certainly change by November 2017 because World Rugby’s enhanced governance model has allowed a pathway for some unions to qualify for additional places at the Council table.
It is likely that Japan and Argentina will each have one extra vote when the time comes to decide who hosts RWC 2023.
That said, and bearing in mind that the bidding nations are unable to vote themselves, if the vote were to take place today, it would involve 37 votes (three each for Scotland, Wales, England, Australia, New Zealand, and Italy; two for Argentina; two each for the six regional associations; and one each for Canada, USA, Japan, Georgia and Romania).
Q. Is it a straight majority vote?
A. Yes. In the case of three candidates, if, in the first round of voting, no candidate secures a majority, then the third-placed candidate is eliminated and a second round of voting takes place.
Q. When is that vote taken?
A. At the November 2017 Council meeting.
Q. What happens in the event of a split decision?
A. The chairman would have a casting vote.
Q. When will the successful candidate be announced
A. November 2017
Q. Once the bid is lodged can the candidates (let’s say there are three) do anything else to enhance their chances?
A. Yes, they have the opportunity to present to World Rugby Council in October 2017.
