New Zealand Rugby chief executive Steve Tew says he's not surprised by France's shock win to host the 2023 World Cup.
NZ Rugby chief executive Steve Tew. Photo: Photosport
France was given the nod by the World Rugby Council ahead of South Africa, which was the preferred nation by an independent review two weeks ago.
Ireland was also in the running.
Tew said he followed the recommendation and voted for South Africa but ultimately France's lobbying was the difference.
"We congratulate France, they've done a won a competitive process, they'll do a really good job in 2023 and we'll support them to do that.
"We commiserate Ireland and South Africa for being involved (but not winning). Particularly for South Africa who probably thought they had it won a couple of weeks ago but it hasn't turned out that way," Tew said.
France are projected to make a profit 230 million New Zealand dollars from the tournament, though Tew says South Africa wasn't far behind in its estimates.
-RNZ
