All three of the countries have demonstrated that they can meet "key criteria" critical to staging the flagship tournament, governing body World Rugby has confirmed.

An Italian bid was withdrawn last week following the decision by the Mayor of Rome not to support the city's campaign to stage the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Federazione Italiana Rugby President Alfredo Gavazzi revealed that they did not believe they could continue, with Rome's 2024 bid appearing doomed without the backing of the capital's most prominent elected official. 

"The conditions are no longer there for Italy's candidacy, which was closely linked to that of Rome 2024," he said.

World Rugby said that Italy could "not guarantee" Government support for its bid, with the battle for 2023 now a three-horse race.

"We are delighted by the strong level of serious interest from unions and Governments, which is clearly reflected in three strong and impressive applications," said World Rugby Chairman Bill Beaumont.

"I would like to congratulate the unions for successfully progressing to candidate status and we welcome further dialogue with all parties as momentum builds towards the selection of the Rugby World Cup 2023 host."

All three bidders have now completed the applicant phase, with the criteria they needed to meet covering areas such as finance, venues, the tournament window and Government support.

The candidate process will now officially open on November 1, with World Rugby due to elect a host in November 2017.

France last hosted the event in 2007, with South Africa staging an iconic tournament in 1995.

The country won their home event with President Nelson Mandela presenting the trophy to captain Francois Pienaar, creating one of sport's most famous images.

The South African effort had been in doubt after Sports Minister Fikile Mbalula banned rugby, cricket, netball and athletics from bidding for events, supposedly for "failing to offer enough opportunities to black players".

The country appears to have defied Mbalula by pressing ahead, and it remains unclear how this will coincide with World Rugby's Government support criteria.

Ireland has never hosted on its own, but did stage World Cup matches as part of a joint effort with England, Wales, France and Scotland in 1991.

The 1999 World Cup in Wales also included games on Irish soil.

There has been a redesign of the bidding process for 2023, which World Rugby says will "promote good governance and transparency".

Japan will host the next edition of the World Cup, in 2019.