JAPAN have confirmed they will rival England, South Africa and Italy for the right to host the 2015 Rugby World Cup.

Japan have confirmed they will rival England, South Africa and Italy for the right to host the 2015 Rugby World Cup.

Japan Rugby Football Union chairman Nobby Mashimo has confirmed his country has made a formal bid to host the World Cup in both 2015 and 2019.

THE Japan Rugby Union have denied any involvement in the legal attempt made last week to have the result of the 2011 World Cup vote annulled.