ARFU alleges Irish duplicity in World Cup vote

The Asian Rugby Football Union is accusing the IRFU of duplicity in the vote that awarded the 2011 World Cup to New Zealand ahead of Japan.

The Asian union has sent a letter to the International Rugby Board alleging that Ireland voted for the Kiwis in return for a promise that the All Blacks would be the first visitors to the re-developed Lansdowne Road stadium when it opens.

The IRFU are strenuously denying the allegations, which will be investigated by the IRB.