News

England to host 2015 World Cup?

June 30 2009

Rugby World Cup (RWC) tournament organisers have recommended the England bid for 2015 to the International Rugby Board (IRB).

Other contenders include South Africa, Italy and Japan with the final decision to be made on 28 July.

Japan has been recommended to host the Cup in 2019 as organisers believe these two countries deliver "the best balanced combination of hosts for the continued worldwide development of the game."

Bernard Lapasset, Rugby World Cup Limited (RWCL) chairman commented: "As the revenue generated from RWC is vital to the IRB's ongoing development plans (there is a preference for it) to be held in one of the major rugby markets on a regular basis. However, the commercial success of RWC also means we can now consider placing the tournament in developing rugby markets to both reflect and assist the game's continued strategic growth.

"It is all about finding the right combination. The IRB Council's decision to award two tournaments simultaneously has assisted in that vision. A tournament in England would allow the IRB to maximise funding available for investment in the game through a strong commercial programme and a great RWC showcase.

"In finalising the recommendation for RWC 2019, the RWCL Board believe a World Cup in Japan would provide a gateway to the further development and expansion of the game in Asia, reaching out to new young fans and providing a superb spectacle for the sport."