2015 Rugby World Cup

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2015 Rugby World Cup
Host	-
Nations	-
Defending champions	-
Winners	-
Runner-up	-
Final
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The 2015 Rugby World Cup will be the 8th edition of the tournament. The host is expected to be announced in the latter half of 2009.

The tournament could return to Africa which has hosted the tournament once before (South Africa in 1995), or Europe (France are host in 2007). Yet it is believed the event will go to either Asia (Japan) or South America (Argentina). It is unlikely the tournament will return to Oceania.

Japan is seen as the early favourite following losing the rights to New Zealand to host the 2011 tournament. Many critics said the IRB had lost the chance to finally go truly global although there were worries Japan's small rugby following could result in a lack of interest not just from the Japanese but the global rugby fan base.

Countries that have expressed interest in hosting the tournament include:

Scotland

1 Bids
- 1.1 Japan
- 1.2 Scotland
2 Potential Bidders
3 See also
4 External links

[edit] Bids

[edit] Japan

Japan are seen as hot favourites for the 2015 tournament after losing the rights to host RWC 2011 to New Zealand. Japan is seen as having a lot to offer in terms of growth in the key Asian market, yet their inexperience in hosting international rugby events is seen as a major drawback in their bid to host the 2015 tournament. The main problem facing the IRB is that rugby in Japan has a considerable less following for rugby compared with New Zealand, Australia, South Africa and Europe and there are still worries of lack of interest and low ticket sales that dogged the 2011 bid.

The Japanese Rugby Union have already announced their plans to bid for the tournament. [1], [2].

[edit] Scotland

A potential Scotland bid for the 2015 event is keenly supported by ministers and EventScotland, who point out that the 2003 RWC brought Australia an estimated £311 million in wider economic benefits through tourism and trade.

[edit] Potential Bidders

In addition some countries have been the subject of speculation as potential hosts although without any indications being given by either their governments or governing bodies.

[edit] Argentina

A proposed bid by the Argentine Rugby Union (UAR) would almost certainly see support from both the New Zealand union and the IRB. If the South African union decides not to bid, it may also support an Argentina bid. With solid infrastructure already in place and the capacity to capture and drive rugby through the Americas, and other Spanish-speaking nations, the IRB sees Argentina as having much to offer in terms of developing and advancing rugby globally. Argentina is considered one of the three most likely options for the tournament.

[edit] Canada

There has been much speculation of a possible Canadian bid for either the 2015 or 2019 tournament.

[edit] Ireland

Ireland is believed to be considering a bid for the 2015 Tournament. Ireland previously hosted some pool matches during the 1999 World Cup. They also had to waive the opportunity to host matches at the 2007 World Cup because of the redevelopment of Lansdowne Road into a modern facility.

[edit] Morocco

There is some speculation of a Moroccan bid for either the 2015 tournament, who lost the 2010 FIFA World Cup organization against South Africa.

[edit] Spain - Portugal

Spain and Portugal have the advantage of being very close to all the 6 Nations countries meaning filling stadia would not be an issue. Yet the small local following in both countries could hinder their bid.

[edit] South Africa

South Africa hosted the highly successful 1995 Rugby World Cup and are seen as a solid choice with stadia existing from the 2010 FIFA World Cup, it will have the necessary infrastructure already in place.