14 May 2009

RFU would use football grounds if they gain 2015 RWC

6:12 am on 14 May 2009

A successful England bid to host the 2015 Rugby World Cup would utilise a number of football grounds.

Wembley would be used, along with the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff, Anfield in Liverpool, Manchester United's Old Trafford and Arsenal's the Emirates.

Details of the Rugby Football Union's bid have been presented to the International Rugby Board.

The RFU is targeting ticket sales of over three million - a 30% increase on the 2007 World Cup held in France.

Other football stadia to be used in pool matches also include St Mary's stadium in Southampton, Elland Road in Leeds, Coventry City's Ricoh Arena and Newcastle's St James' Park.

Other countries in the running are South Africa - hosts in 1995 - Japan and Italy.

New Zealand will stage the 2011 Rugby World Cup.