Twickenham wins the race to host 2015 World Cup

Chris Jones
30 Jun 2009

England have won the battle to stage the 2015 Rugby World Cup and must now raise the money to cover the £80million hosting fee.

The bid was chosen by tournament organisers Rugby World Cup Limited ahead of Italy, South Africa and Japan, with the decision to be ratified by the International Rugby Board council at their special meeting in Dublin on 28 July.

The Government has agreed to “partially” underwrite the £80m host fee charged by the IRB and Twickenham chiefs are confident they can make up the shortfall.

Rugby Football Union chairman Martyn Thomas said: “We are delighted that England has been recommended as the host for 2015.When we presented to the council in May we said that in the current difficult economic environment we could deliver a low-risk, high-return tournament that would leave a lasting legacy for the global game.

“We would like to reiterate that commitment and promise that we will give the game the best possible global platform on which to showcase itself to the world.”

England last hosted the tournament in 1991 when they also used the other Six Nations countries to stage matches. This time the RFU will utilise Wales's Millennium Stadium and leading football grounds, including Wembley, Old Trafford and Anfield.

RWCL chairman Bernard Lapasset said: “A tournament in England would allow the IRB to maximise funding for investment in the game through a strong commercial programme and a great showcase.”

Japan have been named as the preferred bidder for the 2019 World Cup, the first time the event will have been staged in Asia, marking a major step for the sport worldwide.

Brian O'Driscoll has been ruled out of the Lions' Third Test after suffering concussion during the bruising defeat to South Africa on Saturday.

The centre clashed heads with Springbok winger Bryan Habana before another collision with Danie Rossouw moments later left both players being forced from the field.

He will fly home tomorrow along with prop Adam Jones, who required surgery on the dislocated shoulder he sustained after Bakkies Botha cleared him out at a ruck.