PARLIAMENTARY EARLY DAY MOTION
JAPANESE BID FOR THE RUGBY WORLD CUP IN 2011 (23 October 2005)

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.

Sponsored by:
Derek Wyatt (Labour)