IRB 'impressed' with support for Japan's World Cup bid

International Rugby Board officials said they were impressed with the support for Japan's bid for the 2015 World Cup after meeting Prime Minister Taro Aso. An IRB delegation spent two days evaluating Japan's plans to stage the World Cup after visiting...

International Rugby Board officials said they were impressed with the support for Japan's bid for the 2015 World Cup after meeting Prime Minister Taro Aso.

An IRB delegation spent two days evaluating Japan's plans to stage the World Cup after visiting the country's seven rivals for the tournament.

"We shared very positive meetings with the JRFU and the Japanese Government and we are impressed with the high level of support from the government," said IRB chairman Bernard Lapasset.

Aso has pledged his commitment to the country's bid by joining Japan's bid committee in the role of executive advisor.

The host nations for the 2015 and 2019 World Cups will be announced by the IRB at the end of July.

Wales, Scotland and Ireland have also expressed an interest in staging the event.

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