The Western Mail claimed today that secret negotiations have been going on between the Rugby Football Union (RFU) and their Welsh counterparts.

 

If it is successful, it would add to a remarkable decade of sport which already includes the 2012 Olympics and 2014 Commonwealth Games and, possibly, the 2018 World Cup if England's bid wins.

 

The Western Mail claimed that the International Rugby Board (IRB) are demanding a £100 million guarantee from countries wishing to host world rugby’s number one event in either 2015 or 2019.

 

The huge sum would rule out the prospect of Wales going it alone.

 

But provided they were to receive financial backing from the Assembly Government, the Welsh Rugby Union would be able to make a joint pitch with England.

 

Wales staged the final of the 1999 World Cup between Australia and France at the Millennium Stadium (pictured) and also hosted key matches in the 1991 and 2007 tournaments.

 

But by 2015, the WRU would have much more to offer the IRB in terms of venues capable of hosting matches.

 

As well as the 74,000-seater Millennium Stadium, Wales would be able to stage matches at the new 27,000 capacity ground Cardiff City and the Blues are about to share.

 

Swansea’s Liberty Stadium, the Scarlets’ new home in Llanelli and the Dragons’ new ground at Rodney Parade could also host pool games.

 

The main rivals are expected to be Australia, who are also bidding against England for the 2018 football World Cup, and Japan.

 

But with the next World Cup in 2011 due to be held New Zealand, the feeling is that it may be time to return to Europe in 2015.

 

To read the full article visit http://www.walesonline.co.uk/rugbynation/rugby-news/2008/06/28/wales-in-joint-rugby-world-cup-bid-91466-21165447/.