JRFU vice president Nobby Mashimo is taking nothing for granted as their World Cup dream is set to be decided © Getty Images

Enlarge

Related Links

News: Japan confident of RWC nod

News: Samoa qualify for Rugby World Cup 2011

News: RFU predict RWC windfall

News: Canada book RWC berth

News: England and Japan receive RWC boost

Tournaments/Tours: Rugby World Cup

Teams: England | Italy | Japan | South Africa

As delegates arrive in Dublin ahead of Tuesday's announcement of the hosts for the 2015 and 2019 Rugby World Cups, the interested parties are taking nothing for granted.

England and Japan have been recommended to the International Rugby Board (IRB) by Rugby World Cup Ltd (RWCL) as the hosts for the 2015 and 2019 tournaments respectively, but officials from both countries have refused to get carried away as South Africa, host of the 2010 Fifa football World Cup, and Italy prepare last-ditch challenges.

England last hosted the tournament in 1991, when they were beaten in the final by Australia, while Japan would become the first Asian country to host the sport's show-piece event.

The infrastructure and availability of top-class stadiums and television rights have made the RFU's bid financially attractive to RWCL and the IRB, the tournament set to produce a predicted £300million windfall thanks to broadcasting, sponsorship and merchandising.

Both unions have been lobbying for backing in recent weeks, with time nearly up to secure vital support from other member Unions.

"We are of course delighted that RWC has recommended us to the IRB council but we are not celebrating anything until or if it is ratified," Paul Vaughan, the RFU's business director, told The Times. "Our bid concentrates on delivering something that is quantifiable and easy to understand.

"We have gone for a volume approach, hence the use of football stadiums as well as Twickenham and the Millennium Stadium. We believe we can deliver a solid set of numbers. It is also important to know that the UK market can deliver the best TV, sponsorship and travel."

Similar sentiments emanated from the vice president of Japan's rugby union Nobby Mashimo, who last week was confident of Japan securing the 14 votes from fellow Unions that would see their bid become a reality.

"I think we have done everything we could. But our campaign will continue until midnight in the hotel bar on Monday," he told the media before leaving for Dublin.

Japan narrowly lost out to New Zealand in the race to host the 2011 tournament, and the expansion of the game in to Asia has been a crucial part of their recommendation to the IRB.

"In finalising the recommendation for RWC 2019, the RWCL Board believe a World Cup in Japan would provide a gateway to the further development and expansion of the game in Asia, reaching out to new young fans and providing a superb spectacle for the sport," RWCL boss Bernard Lapasset said when finalising the recommendation.