A record number of countries are set to make official bids for hosting the 2015 or 2019 tournaments, the Interntional Rugby Board announced

 

Eight nations – England, Wales, Scotland, Ireland, Italy, Australia and Japan – have confirmed they will tender for the 2015 event.

 

South Africa are listed among those bidding but are expected to withdraw to concentrate on the 2019 World Cup, as revealed on insidethegames last month.

 

And eight countries have also expressed interest in the 2019 tournament – Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Italy, South Africa, Australia, Japan and Russia.

 

It is unlcear yet whether England will bid alone or jointly with Ireland, Wales or Scotland or all three.

 

Scottish Rugby Union (SRU) chief executive Gordon McKie has backed a joint bid with England, Ireland and Wales.

 

McKie said: "Scottish Rugby is committed to ensuring that any decision it makes in respect of hosting RWC2015 and/or RWC 2019 is in the best interest of growing the game and leaving a lasting legacy for the sport in Scotland.

 

"We've been encouraged by the support to date which is being shown by the Scottish Government and other public sector partners, and over the coming months we will be conducting a detailed evaluation of what's involved in hosting or co-hosting RWC 2015 and/or 2019.

 

"At this stage in our evaluation process, however, we believe that a four home unions bid would make a compelling proposition for world rugby."

 

Each union had six weeks to review in detail the Rugby World Cup tender document before formally expressing their intention to tender.

 

Only Jamaica has opted not to continue with a bid to host a World Cup tournament.

 

IRB chairman Bernard Lapasset said: “This strong response is unprecedented, and truly reflects the global attraction of the Rugby World Cup.

 

“It also reflects the significant economic benefits that accompany the hosting of a tournament that has grown in stature and prominence as a global event.

 

“For the first time, the IRB will award two tournaments at the same time.

 

“This provides longer-term certainty for the hosts, Rugby World Cup Limited and the tournament’s commercial partners.

 

“It also ensures that future development investment initiatives in the game worldwide can continue to be underwritten by the tournament and planned accordingly.

 

“The IRB Council will announce the 2015 and 2019 host unions in July 2009, six years prior to the first tournament and 10 years prior to the 2019 event.

 

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

 

The 10 unions now have until May 8 next year to submit their detailed tender responses, before making formal presentations to IRB chiefs.

 

The next tournament – in 2011 – will be held in New Zealand.