London's Olympic Stadium may host 2015 Rugby World Cup

Last updated on .From the section Rugby Union

The Olympic Stadium could host matches at the 2015 Rugby World Cup, according to tournament organisers.
They want to build on the success of the London Games as they prepare for England's next major sporting event, now exactly three years away.
"You would be mad not to include it as part of your thinking," said Ross Young, chief operating officer of England's organising committee.
Uncertainty still surrounds the future of the 80,000-capacity venue.
West Ham are one of four bidders interested in making the stadium their home.
But if a tenant is found before the list of 10 to 12 Rugby World Cup stadia are chosen at the start of next year, the iconic arena could feature in 2015.
The Olympic Stadium would certainly help organisers meet their £100m profit target.
Football grounds like Old Trafford, Anfield and Wembley are expected to host matches, alongside Twickenham and Cardiff's Millennium Stadium.
Leicester Tigers' home, Welford Road, and Gloucester Rugby's Kingsholm are the only club rugby venues that have expressed an interest in staging games.
"To get as near as we can to the three million ticket sales, we have to engage with football clubs because they are the only ones who are going to give us the capacity to drive those numbers," Young said.
Debbie Jevans - a key player in the delivery of the Olympics - will soon replace Paul Vaughan as the event's chief executive.
Chairman of England 2015 Andy Coslett told BBC Sport: "Paul Vaughan made a huge contribution and has our gratitude.
"It's always a difficult thing to change leadership but we want this to be the biggest and best. That demands constant scrutiny of the team.

"The board felt Debbie, particularly as an architect of London 2012 and with the unparalleled exposure into what that took, and how you make normal venues very special, was a dimension we didn't have."
Newly appointed International Rugby Board chief executive Brett Gosper believes the tournament can harness the enthusiasm generated by the Games.
"We are conscious that there has been an amazing event that has happened in London in the Olympics. Everyone is having withdrawal symptoms," he said.
"It really did capture the hearts and minds of [people in] this country and across the world. Everyone was in awe of what happened... it's putting the right kind of pressure on us, but we're confident we'll deliver."
The build-up to the World Cup will start in earnest in early December when the pool allocation draw and match schedule is announced.
Ticketing, security and marketing strategies are yet to be finalised.
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Personally, I can't wait for the League World Cup and the Union World Cup...as I enjoy both codes. Yep, you heard me correctly...I actually like both! Who'd have thought eh!
Longevity yes, but Continuity? Having to cancel the previous World Cup (leaving and 8 year gap), due to lack of interest does not equal continuity!
"2013 is the year of the Rugby League World Cup."
And the year of the Lions tour, (which had higher total attendance last time).
Ditto.
I like football union, football league, association football, Gaelic football, and American football (the only one I just can't get into is Aussie rules football).
It's great being a fan of sport instead of being a fan of A sport isn't it!
Good chance that the Olympic stadium would be cheaper than Wembley so maybe this is a bargaining play by the RFU?
p.s I think of the west country as Gloucestershire, Herefordshire, Worcestershire, Avon and Somerset focused around that cesspit of humanity aka Bristol! Devon and Cornwall with a little bit of Dorset as distinctively the southwest imo...
I'm aware of Exeter's ground. I live 5 mins away! :) I think Exeter's problem is that it's not all-seater. I'm under the impression that is the standard now? I could be wrong though.
Would love to have a RWC game at Sandy Park though. Teach some Namibians the Tomohawk Chop! :)
Personally I don't see why they can't just hold the final at the Rec...surely the prettiest rugby ground on Earth and the pitch doesn't fold up like a rug on a polished floor when there's a scrum ;-)
Exeter have got a good ground. Not huge but good facilities smack by the M5 for good links. As mentioned below, it would be far better to play some of the "lesser" (no disrespect) fixtures in smaller venues. Much better atmosphere and better economics all round. After all, nearly all of RWC 2011 was played in grounds that are tiny compared to London or Cardiff and it was still great!
I don't think Wales will play any 'home' games... but, as in 1999. England, Ireland, Scotland and France all did...