2023 Rugby World Cup bids following four nations by the deadline of 15 June 2015: After hosting the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan, World Rugby may look to host the tournament in the sports' 'heartlands', leaving South Africa and Ireland as favourites. South Africa was considered one of the frontrunners to host the 2023 competition, having hosted the 1995 tournament and bid unsuccessfully for the right to host the 2011, 2015, and 2019 tournaments. In April 2016 the South African government banned its own rugby union from bidding to stage the 2023 World Cup over its failure to provide enough opportunities for black players.
1995 Rugby World Cup – European qualification 1995 Rugby World Cup – European qualification For the 1995 Rugby World Cup qualifiers, the European Federation was allocated three places in the final tournament. This was in addition to the four places granted to England, France, Ireland and Scotland based on their results from 1991. Twenty teams played in the European qualifiers that were held over three stages in 1993 and 1994. , and were the top three sides and secured their places as Europe 1, Europe 2 and Europe 3, respectively, for RWC 95. "Switzerland qualify for Round 1." Luxembourg withdrew from the group. "Israel qualify for Round