The Australian Rugby Union claimed they received a positive response to its proposal to become the sole host of the Rugby World Cup 2003 following a presentation to the Rugby World Cup Board.

The ARU presented their match schedule and financial outcomes to the Board in Newport, Wales and expects negotiations will be finalised early next week.

The RWC Board will then make a recommendation to the IRB Council for ratification on April 12th, which should spell an end to this long running saga.

"We were given a very good opportunity to present our proposal. Discussions will continue next week where our proposal will receive a little finessing," commented ARU Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer John O'Neill.

"We were extremely happy with the reception we received and foresee no obstacles to a successful conclusion to our negotiations next week."

"The Australian Rugby Union has been presented with an excellent opportunity to stage a magnificent Rugby World Cup in 2003."

They have been given until March 29 to finalise their plans, with the RWCL board 'confident' negotiations can be finalised within that time frame.

New Zealand are still hoping to convince RWC organisers that they can act as co-hosts as originally agreed.

However, despite government intervention, it seems unlikely the RWCL board will give in to their demands after controversially ditching the Kiwis earlier this month.

So far, the New Zealand Rugby Football Union have been unable to meet RWC's demand for 'clean' stadiums, free of existing advertising.

NZRFU chairman Murray McCaw insists competition chiefs have known of the problem for some time, a claim refuted by RWCL.

McCaw has threatened legal action and made a veiled threat to withdraw to the All Blacks from the competition, unless the decision is reversed.

However, an RWCL statement issued following today's meeting does not indicate an about-turn is likely.

"The meeting received a preliminary presentation from executives of the ARU, formulated on the finals being played in Australia alone," said the RWCL statement.

"On March 8 the ARU was granted a three-week period of exclusivity of negotiation in order to formulate proposals and to present terms to RWCL for assessment and agreement.

"Discussions will continue between the executive staff of both organisations, and RWCL is confident negotiations can be finalised within the time frame of the 21 days.

"Following this, the board of RWCL will review the position in detail and will - in accordance with established practice - submit its recommendations to the IRB Council."