News

Wales not yet included in RWC

July 29 2009

Wales will have to wait until March 2010 before being confirmed as a 2015 Rugby World Cup venue country, it was revealed on Wednesday.

Dublin was the setting on Tuesday as England were awarded the rights to stage the event after beating off rival bidders South Africa and Italy, with a vote of 16-10 sufficient support for the RFU.

Immediately following the decision there was a formal release of the twelve planned venues - one of which being the Millennium Stadium that will stage two quarter-finals and Pool fixtures.

However, it seems IRB Chief Executive Mike Millar holds the view that the tournament should be played in one country, with games in the Welsh capital now having to be endorsed by the council.

RFU Chairman Martyn Thomas is confident that Wales' international stadium will join other venues such as the Emirates Stadium, Anfield and Wembley.

"It was always made clear to us when we had the bid recommendation that we would have to accept the fact that all games would be played within the host union territory unless we were able to make a compelling reason to the Rugby World Cup board and we are now going to make that compelling case with respect to the use of the Millennium Stadium," Thomas insisted, speaking to the Daily Telegraph.

Meanwhile, WRU Chief Executive Roger Lewis believes they have a strong case and is extremely confident that the Millennium Stadium will be a 2015 venue.

"We know a lot of hard work lies ahead, but we've jumped the first hurdle," he said.

"Now we are all determined to ensure that everyone in world rugby fully understands the importance of the role the Millennium Stadium can play in the success of the 2015 competition.

"The Millennium Stadium is one of the finest rugby venues in the world, thousands of rugby fans based in England are only a short commute from our city centre location and we have the infrastructure, the facilities, reputation and rugby-dedicated population to make a major contribution to the RWC 2015 spectacle.

"The reasons for holding matches at the Millennium Stadium are compelling and we remain confident the RFU plan will progress in full.

"We have one of the best rugby stadiums in the world here in Cardiff, the retractable roof ensures games are played in near perfect conditions in front of a capacity of 74,500 fans and its city centre location in Cardiff means it is easily accessible from across Wales and southern Britain."