Ulster Unionist Sports Spokesperson Leslie Cree has described the bid to hold the 2023 Rugby World Cup on the island of Ireland as offering great opportunities for Northern Ireland in terms of the economy and tourism.
Mr Cree said:
“Today’s confirmation that the Irish Rugby Football Union is to bid to host the Rugby World Cup in 2023 is good news for Northern Ireland.
“The profile which a Rugby World Cup would bring with it would offer huge opportunities for Northern Ireland to cash in on in terms of economic spin-offs and tourist potential.
“A Rugby World Cup tournament would bring tens of thousands of visitors from rugby loving countries such as France, South Africa, New Zealand, Australia, Japan and Argentina, plus of course from Great Britain.
“With Ravenhill and a re-developed Casement Park guaranteed to host a number of matches, the hospitality and tourist industry in Northern Ireland would be in a prime position to capitalise on a captive audience and showcase all that is good about the Province.
“In the recent past we have successfully hosted major sporting events such as the Giro d’Italia, the Irish Open and World Championship boxing to add to annual events such as the Milk Cup, and the North West 200. I have no doubts whatsoever that we could play our part in co-hosting a very successful Rugby World Cup tournament.”