Celtic Park and Casement Park could host Rugby World Cup games!

Celtic Park in Derry and Casement Park in Belfast have been named among 12 venues for Ireland's Rugby World Cup 2023 bid.

The prospect of international rugby being played in two of Ulster's leading GAA grounds has moved a step closer.

The IRFU has revealed more details today regarding their bid, outlining potential venues and anticipated tourism and financial benefits.

NI Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness joined the Taoiseach Enda Kenny, the Chairman of Ireland's RWC 2023 Bid Oversight Board Dick Spring and bid ambassador Brian O'Driscoll to unveil the plans.

Hollywood actor Liam Neeson has narrated a promotional video.

The IRFU says that the co-operation of the GAA has been a key factor in the proposal, with the Association making no fewer than eight stadia available.

The Aviva Stadium in Dublin, Thomond Park in Limerick, the RDS (Dublin), and Kingspan Stadium (Belfast) and are certain to host games if hte bid is successful.

Croke Park, Nowlan Park, Páirc Uí Chaoimh, Fitzgerald Stadium, Pearse Stadium, McHale Park, Casement Park and Celtic Park are the other potential venues currently on Ireland's list.

However, this will be reduced to eight or 10 for the actual tournament.

Croke Park, Nowlan Park, Páirc Uí Chaoimh, Fitzgerald Stadium, Pearse Stadium, McHale Park, Casement Park and Celtic Park are among the 12 potential venues currently on Ireland's list, but this will be reduced to eight or 10 for the actual tournament.

Meanwhile, SDLP Foyle MLA Mark H Durkan has welcomed the inclusion of Celtic Park as one of 12 potential venues in the Irish bid to host the 2023 Rugby World Cup.

He said, “I am delighted that Celtic Park has been included in this shortlist. Derry has always been a sporting city and I firmly believe that, if the Irish bid proves successful, we will make great hosts for pool matches at the Rugby World Cup.

“A tournament of this size and standing would also offer significant economic and tourism spin-off. It is also important to add that making use of stadiums across the entire country will ensure that this can be a truly national event."

Pictured at the bid announcement for the 2023 Rugby World Cup in the Aviva Stadium were (L-R) Jacob Stockdale, Ireland U20, Martin McGuinness, Deputy First Minster, Brian O'Driscoll, Bid Ambassador, An Taoiseach Enda Kenny TD, Dick Spring, Chairman of Ireland's RWC 2023 Bid Oversight Board, Stephen Hilditch IRFU President and Bill Johnston, Ireland U20. Photo: ©INPHO/Dan Sheridan

See this week's Derry News for more.