posted Aug 26, 2008

Good point. I remember all those belly-achers in the RFU that criticized the hosting rights going to NZ on the basis that it *should* be going to developing nations.

Still if it means that money is invested in grass-roots refereeing in the UK then I'm all for it.

Interesting the string of high profile games that Wayne Barnes has had since he did such a great job in the QF isn't it? I guess Paddy O'turncoat really backed up his words with his actions when he thrust the "rising star" into such obscurity.

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posted Aug 26, 2008

Should it be in London ? No, 2015 should go to Japan, they already have the infrastructure in place, perhaps 2019 should be back in Europe and 2023 in America/Canada.

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posted Aug 26, 2008

Yes - let us have the rugby world cup and some poor other sap of a city can do the 2012 olympics. Let America have them.

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posted Aug 27, 2008

Should be Japan 2015 then returning to Europe for Italy 2019 and then off to South America 2023.

I'd pull my finger out and get down to Italy for a game or two.

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posted Aug 27, 2008

London 2015. yes! Brois Johnson couldnt be more right. This would be perfect. England as been the only northern hemisphere team that's won the RWC so far, therefore its very fitting the nation should get to host it. It would give England a bigger chance of winning the cup again. lets face it at the end of the day England is really the only nation capable of stopping the southern hemisphere of their rugby domination having proved themselves in both RWC appearances in both finals.

Japan should not get it, unless one wants a fair competition with no home advantage, but japan would be an empty place, the sport isn't even taken seriously there, i wouldn't go there to watch it.

England 2015 please. The Olympics will set it up a lot, let London be the Sporting capital of the world, no other country takes ALL sports seriously.

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posted Aug 27, 2008

no other country takes ALL sports seriously.

Are you for real?

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posted Aug 29, 2008

To be honest I would love to see a developing country ,i.e Japan, host the world cup but it is just not going to happen.No locals would turn up,the sports stadiums converted into rugby stadiums would not be good and the world cup might be too far for people to travle to. My personal prediction is South Africa.England won't have enough money for it after 2012,Australia hosted it in 2003 and the others don't seem to have enough interest or stadiums.

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posted Aug 29, 2008

"England won't have enough money for it after 2012"

Don't see that being a factor to be honest. Very little would need to be done in order to have a decent bid togther, I would have thought, as we've got the stadia there already.

How much would it cost to host? Anyone know roughly?

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posted Aug 29, 2008

The Japanese would definitely turn up to Rugby World Cup games, believe it or not but rugby is a big sport there, they appreciate the honor and physicality. I'd imagine crowds at a Japanese RWC game being similar to the Olympics in Beijing.

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posted Sep 1, 2008

Japan would be a great location for 2015, I went to see Japan against Australia A in Tokyo five years ago and 50,000 turned up. Remember the locals' enthusiasm when Japan and South Korea held the 2002 soccer world cup?

The argument about Japanese not taking rugby seriously is purely ill-informed comment. Their RFU has more players than many developed countries and professionals from all countries play in their leagues. Come on Nihon!

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