Officials: Russia to bid for 2023 Rugby World Cup

The Russian Rugby Union plans to bid for the 2023 Rugby World Cup, on the back of the country’s debut in the sport’s showcase competition.

“Russia will lodge a formal bid to hold the Rugby World Cup in 2023,” the RRU said in a website statement.

Russia, not known as a rugby-playing nation, harbored suitably modest ambitions for the tournament, but fell short of their best chance of a victory - losing to the United States in the opening games.

Russia lost that encounter 13-6, and defeats followed to Italy, Ireland and Australia, prompting coach Nikolai Nerush to resign.

The 2015 World Cup will be held in England, and Japan will play host four years later.

Russia is on a drive to bid for glamorous international sporting events that lift the country’s prestige.

In addition to the 2014 Winter Games in Sochi and the 2018 World Cup, Russia is holding the 2013 Rugby World Cup Sevens.

The inclusion of rugby in the Rio De Janeiro Olympics in 2016 has boosted the sport’s profile at home.

The semifinals for this year’s World Cup kick off Saturday, with Wales playing France. Australia face New Zealand on Sunday.