EDINBURGH EVENING NEWS REVEALS
By BILL LOTHIAN
MURRAYFIELD chiefs are keeping an open mind on the possibility of a joint bid for the 2015 Rugby World Cup after a report from south of the border claimed Scotland and Ireland may seek to become co-hosts.

Scottish Rugby spokesman, Dominic McKay, said: "We are not ruling anything in or anything out.

"What we need to do is consult with other unions to see what is possible.

"There will also be discussions with key stakeholders."

In Scottish Rugby's favour is the fact that the 2011 tournament will be held in New Zealand and authorities have always moved successive events between the two hemispheres. Also, Event Scotland have already carried out a feasibility study on the venture.

One possible downside is that, with the London Olympics in 2012, with 2014 seeing a Glasgow Commonwealth Games and Gleneagles Ryder Cup, the sporting market-place might be over-crowded.

McKay said: "With seven-a-sides one of the core sports for the 2014 Commonwealth Games what we are certain of is exciting times ahead for rugby."

Today's report on a possible Scottish pitch for the World Cup says that England are considering an Anglo-Welsh bid "after getting wind of the intentions of Scotland and Ireland to mount a bid."

This article was posted on 9-Jul-2008, 11:29 by Hugh Barrow.