Millar denies giving approval to Japanese rugby bid

IRB chairman Dr Syd Millar has refuted reports that claimed he has given his support to the Japan Rugby Union’s tender to host the 2011 Rugby World Cup.

Dr Millar was in Asia to attend the draw for the Rugby World Cup Sevens 2005 in Hong Kong last Thursday.

He then flew to Japan to attend the semi-finals of the Japan Rugby Cup following a long-standing invitation, and to receive and present a cheque to the United Nations World Food Programme from money raised by the Japan Rugby Union.