Ireland chances of hosting the 2023 Rugby World Cup  have received a boost after the Italian Rugby Federation announced that they are pulling out of the running.

The Italian decision means that Ireland will now only face opposition from France and South Africa, who have both staged the tournament in the past.

A statement from World Rugby confirmed the decision: "World Rugby notes the decision by the Federazione Italiana Rugby (FIR) today to withdraw from the Rugby World Cup 2023 host selection process.

 The Rugby World Cup 2023 host will be selected in November 2017.