Government backing for World Cup bid

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RFU management board chairman Martyn Thomas received the vital governmental support after meeting with Mr Brown and sports minister Andy Burnham.

Thomas outlined the levels of financial support the RFU require if England are to host the tournament - now considered the world's third-biggest sporting event - for the first time since 1991. Further meetings are now planned.

Mr Brown offered his support publicly as he addressed England players and officials at 10 Downing Street to mark the launch of the RFU's Injured Players Foundation.

The Prime Minister, who lost an eye playing rugby when he was 16, said: "I believe that rugby is one of the great sports and I also believe we can win the Rugby World Cup (bid for) this country in 2015.

"I hope that you (the RFU) will be able to persuade other countries that the Rugby World Cup should come here.

"I am here to support people who were part of the 2007 World Cup team when you played South Africa (in the final), having already beaten France and Australia.

"I was very proud to be in Paris that day when you took on the South Africans and performed so well."

England's leading rivals to host the 2015 World Cup are Japan, who controversially missed out to New Zealand on the 2011 tournament, and South Africa while Italy and Scotland also registered their interest.