The IRB have confirmed that 10 nations having submitted applications to host the World Cup in either 2015 or 2019.
The home nations are all interested in staging the competition, as are Australia, Italy, Japan, South Africa, Jamaica and Russia.
IRB chairman Bernard Lapasset commented, “The fact that 10 member unions have signalled their intention to tender for the 2015 and 2019 tournaments reflects the growing global prestige of the Rugby World Cup.”
The successful applicants will be announced in July 2009.