Anthony Lawlor (Kildare North, Fine Gael)

I remember in 1991 when Ireland co-hosted the Rugby World Cup, the best match of the tournament was Ireland against Australia at Lansdowne Road which is replayed time after time. Gordon Hamilton scored a try in the corner but Michael Lynagh scored a try in the last minute depriving us of an opportunity to play New Zealand in the semi-finals. That match created much interest in the game in the country.

There has also been good co-operation between the IRFU and the GAA, not alone at national level but also at local level. My club in Naas has hosted training sessions for Eadestown and Kill GAA clubs. This has been replicated at national level, particularly when the Aviva stadium was being constructed and Croke Park was made available to the IRFU. We have world-class stadia in Croke Park and the Aviva Stadium with upgrading developments at Thomond Park and the GAA grounds in Cork and Thurles. Hosting the Rugby World Cup in 2023 would give the country a welcome boost.

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