Brett Gosper, CEO of World Rugby, has leapt to the defence of controversial French Rugby President Bernard Laporte.
Laporte last month launched a stinging public attack on World Rugby’s bid process for the 2023 Rugby World Cup describing the governing body’s evaluation of the three host nations (South Africa, France and Ireland) as “laughable”, “nonsense” and “incompetence.”
“He (Laporte) made some comments when the report came out but we’ve had discussions since and he did apologise for the comments that he made,” Gosper revealed to Sport360° exclusively at the launch of the Asia Under 17s Girls Sevens at Sports City on Thursday.
Despite calling Laporte’s comments “unacceptable”, Gosper stopped short of admitting that the former Toulon coaches’ attempts at undermining the bid process had ultimately succeeded.
“He’s a very passionate guy,” explained Gosper, “they (France) were very committed and sure of their dossier, so what he said, although in form probably wasn’t acceptable, he explained himself – and they’ve come through that process now and been successful.”
The highly regarded sports administrator denied the controversy had “tarnished” rugby’s image.
“I wouldn’t say its tarnished the sport, I think it’s all part of the passion that’s in the game. It would have been preferable if he (Laporte) kept the comments lower key but that’s how it was.”
Gosper said Laporte’s actions had not discredited the bid process, despite the recommended host South Africa being passed over in favour of Laporte’s French bid.
All smiles after France won right to stage 2023 World Cup: Bernard Laporte.
“I think they (the bid nations) all played by the rules,” he stated. “Yes there was a recommendation that was given by Rugby World Cup Board based on what technically our scoring system provided (was) the best scoring of any of the candidates.
“Then you pass that on in the form of recommendation to the (World Rugby) Council. The Council has a slightly different prism in which they look at things and what is in their Union’s interest.”
Gosper said that the defining element for the Council, comprised of representatives of the sports top playing nations and confederations, was not the technically best bid but which offered the possibility of the greatest financial reward for the participating Unions.
“There’s no question that the French were at a high level particularly in the finance area,” Gosper said, “and we (World Rugby) weighted the finance probably not as strong as the Council who voted for the ultimate winner.”
He said France however were well-placed to host their second Rugby World Cup.
“We’ve got a great winner,” Gosper finished, “disappointing for both Ireland and South Africa who did remarkable bids. All three of these potential hosts could have been hosts and as it turned out France won it.”
The bid process has been heavily criticised and already the World Rugby Chairman, Bill Beaumont, has suggested there will be changes for the selection of the host of RWC 2027.
