Madness.

The rugby world is still in shock after learning that France will host the 2023 Rugby World Cup, beating off competition from both Ireland and South Africa.

All the talk over the last few weeks has surrounded the two losers. South Africa were recommended by World Rugby’s technical review, with many believing that should have been followed, while Ireland had captured the world’s hearts. No one gave the French a chance.

In the end we were all probably a bit naive. We should have known. World Rugby makes its money every four years at the Rugby World Cup and France showed they can generate the most in 2023. It’s as simple as that. Forget about who deserves it, or who is best fitted. Money makes the world go round. Or World Rugby in this case.

What is surprising is how some of the voting went. Scotland and Wales hung Ireland out to dry, as did another PRO14 nation in Italy. England meanwhile kept their word and backed the Irish.

Even crazier is the fact that according to L’Equipe, Rugby Africa didn’t vote for South Africa, but instead for eventual winners France. They say France won with the following backing votes: Scotland (3), Italy (3), Japan (2), Georgia (1), Romania (1) – and four confederations – Africa (2), Asia (2), South America (2), Oceania (2).

Absolute madness. Perhaps next time round the voting should not be made secret? World Rugby state they want transparency. Either go all out, or don’t do it all we reckon.