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.
Scotland at the Rugby World Cup host country and the number of qualified teams in each tournament (in parentheses) are shown. Gavin Hastings is by far the most successful Scottish world cup player, and has gained a number of records. Most overall conversions in final stages Most penalties in a match RWC qualifying countries which Scotland has not played at the tournament include Canada, Wales and Namibia. Scotland has never been the main host of the World Cup, but a number of Rugby World Cup games have been played in Scotland over the years. When World Cups have been in the Northern Hemisphere, Scotland has hosted