The issue of a potential Irish bid has been a central one throughout the inaugural International Rugby Board (IRB) Conference and Exhibition which came to a conclusion here this afternoon.

Varadkar, speaking in a session entitled "Winning Bids and Delivering Outstanding Rugby Events", began by joking that "he had heard on the radio on the way here that he was going to confirm a bid".

He did not go that far, but expressed confidence confirmation would follow and that the Government are "considering formal proposals" for a bid which would encompass both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland – with this unifying element a key component.

It is understood that following talks this afternoon the Republic's Cabinet have now agreed to put forward a proposal to Northern Irish colleagues.

It would be hoped the Irish public would fully get behind a 2023 bid ©Getty Images


During his talk Varadkar predicted that "people would rally behind the bid if we get the preparation done, and if we can secure the tournament." 

"It's probably the biggest event a country like Ireland could do, we're too small for the Olympics and the FIFA World Cup and for that reason it would engender enormous national pride," he said.

"The second thing is that even during the very difficult times of the Troubles, rugby in Ireland was a unifying sport.

"It would be a symbol of how far we've come from the bad times to the better times now."

With Ireland still facing mounting debt and having one of the least stable finances in the Eurozone, economic factors are likely to be the most influential ones. 

But Varadkar cited independent studies which claimed the World Cup could generate up to €800 million ($1 billion/£671 million) in revenue. 

It would boost Ireland's profile, in rugby and other areas, while also benefitting tourism, business and national morale, he claimed. 

Another advantage is that the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA), the governing body for Gaelic football have already given permission for the 80,000 capacity Croke Park venue in Dublin to be used. 

Irish Minister Leo Varadkar spoke alongside one of the architects of the England 2015 World Cup, Debbie Jevans, about a potential bid for the 2023 event ©Getty Images


Many figures have already expressed their support for a potential Irish bid.

One of these was New Zealand rugby star Sean Fitzpatrick who claimed an event in Ireland could be as successful as the one in his country in 2011.

"Ireland has got the people and the passion to host a World Cup," he said.

"People said New Zealand couldn't host a World Cup and we put on a fantastic tournament. 

"Everyone got behind it and it was phenomenal what it did for the country in terms of tourism - the legacy of it means we can now hold other events."

Irish figures, from International Olympic Committee Executive Board member Patrick Hickey to ex-player Keith Wood, also reacted positively to the prospects. 

Wood, who won 58 Irish caps, did also offer words of warning and insisted that a bid "must be right for Ireland."

"If something like the Rugby World Cup coming to Ireland could be enough of an income generator that we need...it has to stack up," he said. 

Keith Wood, who spoke alongside fellow ex-players, England's Will Greenwood and Australia's George Gregan, believes a bid "must be right for Ireland" ©Getty Images


Jurie Roux, chief executive of South African rugby (SARU), spoke confidently of a potential bid from his country earlier this year. 

With two Northern Hemisphere nations in England and Japan hosting the 2015 and 2019 editions, and the other two Southern Hemisphere giants of Australia and New Zealand having each hosted 21st century versions, South Africa indeed seems a likely contender. 

After hosting the 2007 event there have also been indications that France may also bid again while Argentina, Italy, Russia  and the United States remain other possibilities.

It does however remain early stages as bids do not have to be tendered until 2016, with a final decision to be made by the IRB the following year.