The RFU have responded to claims in Australia that England will launch bid to bring the Rugby World Cup back to England in 2027.
The 2027 World Cup is seen as a way to unite a sport struggling with financial difficulties, the Wallabies' slide to seventh in the world rankings and bitter infighting.
So far, Argentina pulled out of the running last month and the only other country to publicly express interest is Russia. However, the USA and England have also been linked with a bid by Aussie chairman, Hamish McLennan.
"The bid will be launched next year with a decision to be made in 2022, so no one other than ourselves have formally indicated that they’ll put a bid forward at this point in time," McLennan told ABC.
"We hear the US and potentially England may have a crack, so we’ll just wait and see but there’s a few months for the other bidders to register their interest."
JOIN THE RUCK
One source told the Mail Online that a bid from the RFU for 2027 is ‘unlikely’, with the RFU instead keen on hosting the 2031 World Cup.
An RFU spokesperson also commented, revealing that they have ‘no plans in place to bid for 2027.’
Ranked! The 5 worst Premiership signings of the 2019/20 season
Oh dear, oh dear. However much we will them on, sometimes deals just don’t turn out the way we hoped – or anything like it, as these disasters demonstrate.
5. Niki Goneva (Harlequins)
Described by the club as ‘a real coup’ and 'deadly finisher' when the winger joined from relegated Newcastle Falcons last summer. However, it appears that the 35-year-old, who has been a prolific try scorer throughout his career, is finally starting to slow down. He didn't cross the whitewash in his six Premiership outings for Quins this season.
4. Mark Wilson - Sale Sharks
This loan move seemed to make perfect sense, but due to a number of factors it hasn't really worked out. Undergoing knee surgery immediately following the 2019 Rugby World Cup, Sharks fans didn't see him debut until a 30 minute cameo against Saracens in early February. Recalled by Eddie Jones for the Six Nations after making just one start for Sale, his loan expires on June 30. After that date, he is due to return to Newcastle and can no longer play for Sale if the season were to be extended into July.
3. Owen Franks - Northampton Saints
One of only 20 players to win the Rugby World Cup twice, the prop arrived at Franklin's Gardens with a degree of expectation on his shoulders. It was hoped he'd bring his impressive strength and scrummaging technique to the pack at Franklin’s Gardens - but he's made just four starts. Saints fans will be hoping for much more in the second half of the season.
2. Tyrese Johnson-Fisher - Bristol Bears
More disappointing than bad. The speedster, who went viral as a youngster for his four tries at Twickenham in the NatWest Schools Cup, joined Bristol last summer but left the Premiership side with immediate effect in February. He's since revealed he's taken the decision to pursue other opportunities outside of professional rugby.
1. Sean O'Brien - London Irish
London Irish again wasting money. They parted with £450,000 per season to land the experienced Ireland international. Due to a hip injury, the back-rower made just one appearance in a 39-0 defeat against Sale Sharks before the league was suspended. Sometimes signing even the best players doesn't work out.
