England on course to stage 2015 World Cup
England could be set to host wold cup
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Tuesday, 30, Jun 2009 08:54
England are favourites to stage the 2015 World Cup after they received the backing of the Rugby World Cup Limited (RWCL).
The International Rugby Board (IRB) will decide on July 28th on who will host the event, with England battling it out with South Africa, Italy and Japan. But the support of the RWCL is a major boost for England.
"The RFU is delighted that Rugby World Cup Limited has decided to recommend England to the IRB Council as the host for RWC 2015," said Rugby Football Union (RFU) chairman Martyn Thomas.
"When we presented to the council in May we said that in the current difficult economic environment we could deliver a low-risk, high-return tournament that would leave a lasting legacy for the global game.
"We would like to reiterate that commitment and promise that we will pack iconic stadia full of excited fans and that we will give the game the best possible global platform on which to showcase itself to the world."
England plan to use Wembley, Anfield, Old Trafford, the Emirates Stadium and the Millennium Stadium, with Twickenham staging the final.
Although Wales will not be recognised as a co-host, the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) have given their backing for England to host the World Cup.
The chief executive of the WRU, Roger Lewis added that he felt the Millennium Stadium "presents compelling reasons" why the World Cup games should be held in Wales.
The RWCL have recommended to the IRB that Japan should be given the 2019 World Cup as they hope the revenue generated from the tournament being held in England four years earlier would make it possible for it to be staged in a small rugby nation like Japan.