France to host 2007 Rugby World Cup
Sport - Posted: April 10, 2003

France have beaten England for the right to stage the 2007 Rugby World Cup, the International Rugby Board (IRB) has announced.
France won all but three of the possible 21 IRB votes at a meeting in Dublin on Thursday.

England's attempt to introduce a Nations Cup for emerging countries did not find favour, with the IRB Council opting to preserve the existing format.

But under the French bid, Wales, Scotland and Ireland will be allocated a pool each during the tournament.

Referring to England's proposal for a reduced 16-team format IRB chairman, Syd Millar, said: "The council was overwhelmingly of the view that the structure should remain as it is."

The tournament will take place between 7 September and 20 October, 2007.

France have opted for a traditional format with 20 teams divided into four pools.