RFU may include Wales in RWC bid
Sun, 27 Apr 2008 11:43
England's Rugby Football Union (RFU) is considering including Wales in their bid for the 2015 Rugby World Cup.
But it is partly through necessity, with the mandatory tournament schedule dates threatening to create problems in terms of the availability of football stadiums.
Japan and South Africa have already confirmed their interest in bidding for the 2015 World Cup.
The RFU, who spent more than £800,000 (US$1.6 million) on their failed bid for the 2007 World Cup, is still considering its intentions.
Meanwhile the Scottish Rugby Union has approached both Ireland and Wales to try and discuss the idea of a joint tender. It would see the semifinals being played in Dublin and Cardiff and the final being played in Edinburgh.
The RFU is understood to have asked the IRB if it could host a Rugby World Cup during the English summer, a move which would avoid clashes with the English Premier League soccer competition.
It was also deemed that it would create too much disruption to tournaments such as the Super 14 and the Tri-Nations.
But that move was declined, meaning England must find a co-host to ensure availability of rugby grounds.
The IRB will decide next year on who will host the 2015 World Cup. It has also been mooted they also will announce the hosts of the 2019 tournament.
The New Zealand-hosted 2011 World Cup will lead to a drop in overall profit for the IRB, meaning the game's ruling body will look to find a highly-lucrative bidder for the 2015 tournament.
SA Rugby Managing Director Jonathan Stones told the Guardian: "New Zealand may be staging the next World Cup but it is not an ideal host from the perspective of the TV audience.
"The IRB is considering holding two out of every three World Cups in European time zones to maximise TV viewing figures and so enhance revenue. That is perfect for South Africa and we have sent a letter to the board inquiring about the tendering process for 2015."
