Ireland have won their bid to host the 2017 Women’s Rugby World Cup.
The IRFU’s bid was launched in March, for the competition to take place in August 2017 across locations in Dublin and Belfast.
Ireland’s proposal centred on the use of three locations with the group stages set to take place in University College Dublin and the knock-out stages in Belfast.
Ulster’s newly renovated Kingspan Stadium will host the World Cup final, whilst Queen’s University will stage the semi-finals.
Irish Women's Rugby Captain, Niamh Briggs said: "It is great news to hear Ireland has been successful in its bid to host the 2017 Women's Rugby Worlds Cup. It is an honour to represent your country in a World Cup, and the idea of representing your county on home turf is unbelievable.”
Ireland reached the semi-finals at last year’s World Cup in Paris, securing a shock win against New Zealand before losing to eventual champions England.
Ireland have also won the Six Nations title twice in recent years.
“We’re delighted with today’s announcement” says IRFU chief executive Philip Brown. “Interest and participation in women’s rugby continues to grow and building this momentum we believe Ireland can deliver the best Women’s World Cup to date.”
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