South Africa was expected to be awarded the tournament
France will host the 2023 Rugby World Cup after being selected ahead of South Africa and Ireland, World Rugby president Bill Beaumont announced on Wednesday.
South Africa was expected to be awarded the tournament for a second time after being named as the preferred host nation by World Rugby's independent review, but France instead won the vote of member nations.
A simple majority from the 39 votes was required and France claimed 18 votes to South Africa's 13 in the first round of voting. Ireland had eight votes and were eliminated.
The second round saw France claim 24 votes to South Africa's 15 to be named hosts for a second time, after 2007.
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