Trio to bid for Rugby World Cup 2011

Japan, New Zealand and South Africa have confirmed their intention to tender for the right to host Rugby World Cup 2011, the International Rugby Board announced today.

Having signed confidentiality agreements in September 2004 and received a tender manual and host union agreement from the IRB, the trio met the deadline of January 31 for submitting written confirmation of their intention to bid for the game’s showpiece event.

Dr Syd Millar, chairman of the IRB said: “This is tremendous news for Rugby World Cup 2011. The fact that three member unions have signalled their intention to tender for the same tournament reflects the growing prestige of Rugby World Cup.

“Japan, New Zealand and South Africa represent three of our five Rugby World Cup qualifying regions, Africa, Oceania and Asia.

“The growing development and popularity of rugby is highlighted in Japan being the first Asian country to tender for the tournament.

“The IRB Council will ratify and announce the RWC 2011 host union in November, six years prior to the tournament.

“This timetable reflects the scale and nature of the preparatory work in delivering this world class tournament.”

The three unions have to submit their tournament tenders to Rugby World Cup Limited by May 13.