Scotland has "thrown its hat in the ring to stage the Solheim Cup for a third time," according to Martin Dempster of the SCOTSMAN. The "Home of Golf" is among 10 countries to express an interest in hosting the '19 clash between Europe and the U.S. The chance to "stage it has led to the Ladies European Tour receiving record interest" for the biennial event. Up against Scotland are Denmark, England, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Turkey and Wales. After weighing up the options, the LET intends to announce the 2019 host later this year following the 14th edition of the matches in Germany (SCOTSMAN, 3/3).
2023 RUGBY WORLD CUP: The AP reported Italy will bid to host the 2023 Rugby World Cup. The Italian Rugby Federation said on Thursday that it will "formalize its interest in May, but announced on Thursday it has already
been guaranteed support by the country's governing sports body, the
Italian Olympic Committee" (AP, 3/5). SKY SPORTS reported the South African Rugby Union announced it will bid to host the 2023 World Cup, "having previously made three unsuccessful attempts." SARU must now receive approval from the country's national Olympic Committee and government, "but this is expected to be a formality with the bid process due to open in May" (SKY SPORTS, 3/4).