The USA has dropped out of the bidding process for the Rugby World Cup 2023, leaving four unions left in the hunt to host the quadrennial tournament. South Africa, Ireland, France, and Italy are the remaining unions that have confirmed that they will bid on the hosting rights for the World Cup.

Argentina was also, at one time, in the running to host the tournament. They have since aligned themselves with South Africa thus improving the chances that South Africa could host in 2023.

The USA was never considered a serious contender for the 2023 World Cup. The bid was considered to be more of a test run for more serious future bids. With Argentina and the United States working together on the new Americas Six Nations tournament, it could be that the USA has followed Argentina’s suit and backed South Africa as hosts.

World Rugby Chairman Bernard Lapasset said: “We are delighted with the strong level of Rugby World Cup 2023 hosting interest from unions and governments, which highlights the enormous appeal of Rugby World Cup as a low-risk, high-return economic, social and sporting driver. We look forward to further detailed dialogue as the process progresses.

“Although USA Rugby ultimately decided not to proceed with a formal bid, it was very encouraging that they originally had expressed an interest in hosting rugby’s flagship tournament. In the end, they decided to focus instead on other upcoming projects, not least the hosting of Rugby World Cup Sevens 2018, but they are an ambitious and progressive union and I have no doubt they will bid to host Rugby World Cup at some point in the future.”

Ireland appears to be mounting a strong bid to host the tournament, but should face stiff competition from South Africa. While Ireland, South Africa, and France have all played host to the tournament already, Italy comes to the table having never hosted before. With the 2019 World Cup being played in Japan, it is unlikely World Rugby will choose another first-time host.

The 2023 World Cup hosting process culminates in in May of 2017 when the host nation will be selected.