England to bid for 2015 Rugby World Cup

5th May 2009, 22:17 WST

England has announced a bid to stage the 2015 Rugby World Cup on Tuesday with South Africa expected to follow on Thursday.

The Rugby Football Union announced it will submit a bid to the game's world governing body on May 13, when more details will be released.

Wales will also be part of England's bid to stage the event and they join Japan in the race to stage rugby's biggest international competition.

South Africa's rugby union has called a news conference for Thursday when it is expected to announce its bid for either the 2015 or 2019 championship. The next World Cup in 2011 is in New Zealand.

The RFU said its bid includes games in the biggest and best grounds in England and Wales and that would include 82,000 capacity Twickenham - the home of English rugby - 90,000 seater Wembley Stadium, Manchester United's 76,000 capacity Old Trafford and the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff, which can hold 75,000.

Lawrence Dallaglio and Will Greenwood, who were on the England lineup that won the 2003 World Cup, are on the bid committee.

"Playing in the Rugby World Cup is every player's dream," said Dallaglio, a former England captain. "I was fortunate to play in three, and the drama created by the tournament can only be matched by the passion of people for sport in England.

"Putting the two together at world-class venues like Twickenham, Wembley, Old Trafford and the Millennium Stadium will produce the ultimate rugby event."

http://www.thewest.com.au/aapstory.a...oryName=570771