The likelihood of a bid to host the 2023 Rugby World Cup in Ireland moved a step closer at the weekend when the GAA agreed to put a motion to Congress next year allowing the consideration of up to six venues for reference in a bid.
Croke Park was used for rugby internationals during the redevelopment of the Aviva Stadium and would be essential as it is the only ground in the country capable of accommodating the 60,000 threshold needed for a final based on previous tournaments.
Thomond Park, the RDS and Ravenhill would bring the number of stadia to five but at least that number again would be required and the GAA is the only sporting body that could fill the gap.
There is also the possibility of a joint bid for the 2020 UEFA European Championship finals from Ireland, Scotland and Wales.  That would require less investment and a substantially smaller overall commitment than hosting the Rugby World cup on our own.  It is not inconceivable that both bids could go forward simultaneously.
Government sources appear enamoured of the idea, despite the time frames being well beyond the lifetime of the present Dáil, and it is likely that a formal notification of an intention to bid will be made.
Dublin will be able to put its best face to the world next May when the finals of the Amlin and Heineken Cups are both played in the City.
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