The boss of New Zealand Rugby concedes it's an odd decision to award the 2023 Rugby World Cup to France.

Steve Tew and the other New Zealand Council members voted for SANZAR partners South Africa, who had been given the tick of approval by World Rugby's independent evaluation committee.

But the 39 Council members voted overwhelmingly in favour of France who won the final vote 24-15 over South Africa after Ireland had been eliminated in the first round.

READ MORE: South Africa livid with RWC decision

Tew said it does look odd and people can speculate around that as much as they want.

He says World Rugby now has an opportunity to review the process.

"We'll take that time to see what we can do better. I'm not sure I would be an advocate for a report being produced with a recommendation and then trying to keep it secret when it's gone through 36 people."

However, Tew doesn't beleive the decision smaller makets will no longer be able to host sport's showpiece as next time round they might have different criteria for hosting the World Cup.

He believes if France is commercially successful it sets the bank balance up for World Rugby and they might set different criteria and might want to take the game to a developing market.

LISTEN ABOVE AS STEVE TEW SPEAKS WITH RADIO SPORT BREAKFAST