JAPANESE BID FOR THE RUGBY WORLD CUP IN 2011

Early day motion 836, tabled 24 October 2005 by Derek Wyatt (Labour). Signed by 103 members.

That this House congratulates the International Rugby Board (IRB) on inviting a bid from Japan for the 2011 Rugby World Cup; notes that, if Japan is successful, it would become the first host nation from outside the established foundation unions; further notes that the other two contenders, New Zealand and South Africa, have already hosted the sport's flagship event; believes, therefore, that success for Japan's bold and adventurous bid would do much to expand the game of rugby union around the world; further notes Japan's success in co-hosting the 2002 Football World Cup, the quality of its modern sporting facilities and the country's previous experience of staging both the Summer and Winter Olympics; welcomes Japan's great success in popularising the sport domestically, with 126,000 registered players, over 4,000 clubs and a developing women's game; further notes that its bid has the support of the Japanese Prime Minister and parliament, together with financial backing from 20 blue chip Japanese corporations; and considers, therefore, that the IRB would do the game an immense service worldwide by awarding the 2011 Rugby World Cup to Japan.

Signatures by party: Labour 71, Conservative 15, Liberal Democrat 14, Plaid Cymru 2, UUP 1.