Radio New Zealand - Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa

The New Zealand Rugby Union has expressed an interest in putting New Zealand forward to host the 2014 Women's Rugby World Cup but has also indicated that it will discuss joint hosting opportunities with Samoa prior to deciding whether or not to lodge a bid.

Both New Zealand and Samoa are among four countries which lodged expressions of interest with the International Rugby Board.

NZRU CEO Steve Tew says because of New Zealand's success in the women's tournament and as an opportunity to build on the hosting of Rugby World Cup 2011, the NZRU decided to lodge an expression of interest to keep its options open in terms the 2014 tournament.

Tew says they wouldn't want to compete with Samoa for the hosting rights given the relationship they have with the Pacific Islands countries and the impact that this Tournament could have there.

And so they'll explore ways to work with and support Samoa.

New Zealand's Black Ferns have won the last three Women's Rugby World Cup titles. The 2010 Tournament will be hosted by England.