Home Nations Set For Joint Rwc Bids

With all four confirming an interest, the home nations are now weighing up their options with regards to joint bids to host the 2015 Rugby World Cup.

England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales have all confirmed their interest in hosting the tournament with the International Rugby Board but the four nations are locked in negotiations over whether to table single or joint bids.

Both Wales and Scotland have confirmed they are considering bids involving England although the latter nation is believed to be reviewing whether to stage a solo attempt to land the tournament.

The Welsh Rugby Union says it has made one bid with its English counterpart as well as a separate bid with the other home nations for the 2015 showpiece.

A record eight countries met the 30th September deadline to apply to host the 2015 competition and they now have until May 2009 to submit final bids.

In addition to the four home nations, Italy, South Africa, Australia and Japan have also confirmed they will bid for the 2015 competition.

Ireland, Scotland and Wales have also confirmed their intention to bid for the 2019 World Cup.

The hosts for both tournaments will be announced by the International Rugby Board on 28th July, 2009.

New Zealand was awarded the hosting rights for the 2011 tournament despite stiff option from a bid from Japan.