Russia to bid for 2023 Rugby World Cup

Russia will bid to stage the 2023 Rugby World Cup, officials said on Thursday, as the country looks to build on its team's first appearance in the finals in New Zealand. "The president of the Rugby Union of Russia (RUR) underscored that Russia will bid on the right to stage the 2023 rugby World Cup," the RUR said in a statement. Russia has already won the hosting rights for the 2013 World Sevens. The Russian team earned praise in New Zealand from Australia's coach Robbie Deans. Deans, whose Wallabies beat Russia 68-22, talked them up as an emerging force with a potential that could only be good for the game. The Russians scored three tries against both Australia and Italy and another two against Ireland, and the only time they failed to cross the line was their 13-6 loss to the United States. The Rugby Union of Russia said it would be picking new coaching staff for the upcoming four-year cycle.