Listen to the full interview via the podcast above

Earlier today it was confirmed that former Ireland rugby player Hugo MacNeill will head up the working group that will work on this country's bid to host the 2023 Rugby World Cup.

We were joined on the line by the man himself tonight and he explained the precise nature of his role.

"As you saw a while ago, Minister Leo Varadkar expressed an interest in Ireland considering whether to bid for the Rugby World Cup in 2023 and he subsequently met with the Northern Ministers who also expressed an interest in looking at it. The  task of the working group is to look at what might be involved in making a bid and looking at the various criteria, then coming to the two governments, setting out the key issues and probably with a recommendation."

According to MacNeill, the main issues under consideration are cost, revenues and wider benefits of staging the tournament.

He also hinted at who might rival Ireland's bid for 2023.

"One would expect countries like South Africa, Italy and Argentina will also be bidding so it's a very competitive process," said MacNeill.

Pictured (L-R) Sports Minister Carál Ní Chuilín MLA, Hugo MacNeill and Enterprise, Trade and Investment Minister Arlene Foster MLA ©INPHO/Presseye/Kelvin Boyes