Last week, officials from France, Ireland and South Africa were polishing their bids to host the 2023 Rugby World Cup. Without exception, they were boasting about their figures while claiming that rival boasts were hot air.

Here is why they are so anxious. The accountancy firm Deloitte has estimated that were the tournament to be held in, say, France, the economy would benefit to the tune of nearly £2,125m. Presumably, the other two contenders would benefit by the same sum relative to the size of their own economies.

Never mind the glory of rugby. One requirement for those bidding is that they should have the full support of their government, especially to guarantee against any financial eventuality. All three governments have complied. For that fortune,