2015 should be in Japan utilizing the best of the by that time bedded down ELVs.

Dave Baker, Brisbane, Australia

We have given the N.H our coaches our players an over one hundred years to grow the game ( this still hasnt helped )
The world cup needs to go to S.A or Sth America When the E.L.Vs are made law teams will need to be bigger , faster , fitter athletes. You will not find these Athletes in the N.H

Jacob, Manukau, N.Z

Strange, when NZ was bidding then the jackal was howling that it must go to Japan even though hosting rotation logic suggested it would go to the SH.

Now the Jackal, or is that Hyena, howls that should go to England even though Japan was last known to be located in the NH.

Peter Annand, Wellington,

Your main arguement for England is that the NZ World Cup will "see profits plunge". What a twit! The IRB gets paid a set fee which they control so no profits for them will plunge.
However the arguement for any where other than England is compelling, good food, good weather, no whinging .....

Trev, Albany,

The narrow view taken by New Zealand, my native country, is narrow based on the fact that we are in fact the greatest rugby playing nation! Be it that we can't win a world cup and our domestic competition is watched by about 7 people at a time, 4 of
which are the match officials..we are numero uno!

Raymond Braddock, wellington, new zealand

Stephan Jones probably unwittingly contributes a lot to All Black rugby if you look at it both ways. His comments are usually subjective and objective. But we gain a lot from his view of how we should play the game. Not to take him or ourselves too seriously. Entertaing fellow is Stevo. Kia Ora bro

greg mitchell, Auckland, NZ

To Tony Gold
At least the pies have proper meat in them

G Wilson, Cardiff,

If you enjoy meat pies, camper sites and bigotted locals, then NZ is definitely the place for you in 2011. If the RWC went next to a second-tier nation like Argentina or Italy, it would be great! Both have far more to offer than NZ.

Tony Gold, Bangkok,

I guess the argument is over. With a 190 million pound extortion payment to the IRB by the successful bidder, it is now out of reach of...hmmm, let me see....everyone.
I'd love to hear Stephen Jones comment on that if its factual.

Dave, Sydney,

The world will be absolutely sick of England by the end of 2012.

Steve Hawke, Waipawa, NZ

Stephen is right RWC will suffer in NZ in 2011 and will need a major injection in 2015 that can only come from a large Tier 1 nation. The only options are South Africa, England or Australia. I suspect that if Scotland try to get in on anything it will end up in SA or Australia and rightly so.

john, Adelaide, Aus

Fair play Russ (Benfleet), that's an impressive amount of tosh in such a short post. "Time zone" - Japan is basically in the same time zone as Australia and NZ. Until a few years ago, guess which country had the most rugby players? Yep. Japan. So bang goes your lack of local interest argument.

Tom, Osaka, Japan

In 2015 the RWC profits will come from television, sponserships, licenced sales shirts etc with gate money way down the list. For me it should be Japan with the early round spread around even as far as the Pacific Island.There will be no better atmoshere than Tonga playing England on the Island

Anthony J, Alton, Hampshire

I live in East Osaka, Hanazono where even the road manhole covers have designs stamped in the metal depicting rugby players. A playground outside the rugby stadium that even has giant rugby balls as part of the slippery dip design. Rugby is a mainstream sport here and a 126million people market.

Tony, Osaka,

Its time to give emerging rugby nations the opportunity to host the 2015 Rugby World Cup. I think Japan would be an ideal setting and believe that they would be able to host a remarkable World Cup if given the chance to do so.

Imelda C. Keogh, Dublin , Ireland

Still Smarting after England were hammered in NZ again are you George from Swindon

Gareth Williams, Powys,

Reading Stephen Jones is rugby's equivalent of trying to absorb the scientific underpinning of 'Young Earth Creationism'.

Todd, Birmingham, England

george from swindon .wow!! i dont think ive read any thing more full of contradictions and hypocrisy. i was at the 1st world cup it was a fantastic event and all the teams were well supported by all the locals.and the atmosphere couldnt be any worse than when the world cup was here in 99

brent, london,

George, Swindon - yes, let's not have rugby's showcase event held in a country where they actually care about the game. Let's hold it in some nation with no rugby heritage, where it will maybe make the 3rd page of the sports section.

and it was NOT stolen. Other nations freely voted for NZ

Andy, London,

How ironic the perception of an 'old boys' network at the IRB denying Japan WC2011. Mori, the laughably inept former Japanese PM and head of their delegation is the product of one the most exclusive 'old boys' clubs in politics anywhere, the Japanese LDP. Still, a great place to stage WC2015

Benjamin , Christchurch, New Zealand

Lewis from Swindon, would love you to tell me all about getting Emirates stadium on board for the RWC, I'm sure that will be a laugh. Central london hosting RWC games? Interesting especially considering 80% of the weekly football crowd at emirates live within 5 miles of the venue.

Michael, London, England

That time zone argument is total rubbish.
Australia has hosted hundreds of sporting events over the past decade and they've all done well. Olympics? RWC 03? RWC 03 made $30 million just for the ARU.
NZ are just poor at organising... It was their own fault they missed out on co-hosting 03.

Andrew, Sydney,

Leaving aside the 1987 Cup - which was an concept not taken seriously by most NH rugby unions, Mr Jones seems to be saying in the same article that that England must host the cup, yet under his definition the cups England have previously had a go in hosting have been amongst the worst. Go figure.

Chris, Auckland,

It doesn't really matter where the 2015 RWC goes, as long as it never goes back to New Zealand after they stole the 2011 tournament.

The Kiwi's are too partisan, too desperate, too far away and too small.

And what will happen to the atmosphere when they get knocked out again?

George, Swindon, England

The one country idea is irrelvant as multiple hosts spread the fan base and maximise the returns (as punters have less games to have to pick and choose to go to)

Not sure though re NZ crowds being able to create a festive atmosphere like o/seas - most sit there silently until AB's score.

Mark , Auckland, New Zealand

Apart from Twickenham, what stadiums does England have to match Japan, or even NZ's? The RWC is held in Oct/Nov so you won't be able to use any soccer grounds. So we'll have an RWC played out before 10-15,000 people, and this will be income generating? There'll be more in NZ. Many more.

Andy, London,

The truth eventually comes out, France had to be in the semifinals to fill the IRB coffers. It should be about playing rugby not making money. Where ever it is held lets strive for a true sporting and fairly officiated contest, instead of the manipulation of draws and games we have seen in past.

Ian, London,

Don't bank on affordable tickets for WC 2011 (M. Sneddon - NZRU's only revenue stream). Spread the game to Asia(Japan) and create some sense of a really global game. The pay a good few 'pensions' for NZ players already, it is safe, clean and worth visiting for many reasons other than rugby.

Benjamin , Christchurch, New Zealand

Rugby is and always will be a minority sport. England couldn't even capitalise on winning the world to make it more popular. Why give the world cup to them?If you want a world wide sport then 2015 should go to Japan and/or China. Otherwise continue with the paorochial approach and see the game die.

John Bull, Wolverhampton, England

If the tradition has a rotation between northern and southern hemispheres, then 2015 should be Japan's which (contrary to the belief of some northern hemisphere rugby writers) is in the northern henisphere.

Mike, Wellington, New Zealand

What arrogance Oliver Slackjack! No wonder the world jumps for joy at the British lack of success in international sport!

Kevin Brown, Hastings, New Zealand

If we're going to expand this great game we're going to have to look further afield than England! Rugby ticks all of the boxes when it comes to being globally acceptable - so why keep it in the Home Nations & SANZAR? It needs to have key matches in Japan & China to hold the onslught of US sports!

Soutie, Hong Kong,

Isn't this the same gentleman who said only a few years ago that "Japan, I repeat Japan, for the good of the game must win the hosting rights to the Rugby World Cup". Why is their right to host suddenly expendable when it was so critical such a short time ago? Self interest before the game's?

Andrew Fyfe, Auckland, New Zealand

I sympathise to an extent but the counterpoint is that the SRU cannot run a RWC itself and is burdened with an enormous debt from building Murrayfield without the state help that other Unions were given. We can help the SRU and host games in a genuine rugby stadium rather than enrichen soccer clubs.

Ken Barker, Edinburgh, Scotland

World sport would be wise to adhere to a strict single host country policy, for all kinds of reasons. I'd throw in a single-mascot ammendment, too.

Alex Salinas, Shanghai,

By taking the world cup to young rugby nations to "devolp their game" it is also possible to create more problems. ie the loss from holding the RWC & not turning profit... and then no cash coming from the profits of the RWC to devolping nations as... there was no profit. vicious cycle. economics.

josh ashbee, leeds, England

While I agree that Japan would do a great job, with the vast majority of current and ex registered players in Europe, I do believe the world cup should return the England in 2015. I am happy either way as I do believe it would provide both the atmosphere and financial reward required. Go Wallabies.

Cameron, Dubai, UAE

By all means let Japan or a non-rugby playing country host it in 2019 but it has to be in Europe in 2015 and as much as I despise the English, i think it is only fair that they host it on their own.

Ian, Bristol,

What about Asia? Japan would do a great job hosting a World Cup! I think the IRB needs to look at Japan and take advantage of its financial benefits! With an economy like Japan, and the fact that they are crazy about big events (remember the Soccer World Cup 2002?) they will do a great job!

Brian, Sydney, Australia

Yes let's have the cup in England. Let's ignore spreading rugby to the rest of the world. Narrow-minded lack of vision like this is why there is league, American and Canadian football.

Kikc, Seattle, US

I agree woth Stephen, a single host works best as you get sense of atmosphere in a single country. Shame on those Jackel countries.

Matt, Wellington , NZ

I'd like to see it go to the USA - promote the game there. I think they did an excellent job of the 1994 Soccer World Cup.

But if money is all you are after, then how about the USA?

Hen, Brisbane, Australia

I don't understand Jones saying that the best WCs are all in one country. Was France 2007 so bad?

Anyway, the Japanese have already promised publicly to include Hong Kong if they get the 2015 World Cup. They are leading an Asian bid for international development, the very thing the IRB wants!

Ian, Japan,

Where you are the most important thing might be MONEY and PROFITS, but the rest of the world wants quality rugby, at pace with plenty of trys. None of those things exist in Engbland. Japan for 2015. And do you ever stop whining?

Dave, Sydney,

No, it must be in Japan, with a huge economy and a fantastic place for the growth of the world's greatest sport, which is already quite popular there. Why return to where the sport was invented? How will that benefit growth of the game? Answer: It won't

Will, Hartlepool,

So it ok to rent the Millenium Stadium but not to have a split tournament?! Exactly the same practicalities involved except where the money ends up!

2007 was a farce with matches in wales and scotland. Why should two teams who consistently fail on the world stage try to always get slim advantage?

Chris Floyd, London,

It was a travesty that the next world cup was robbed from Japan, and it would equally be so if not awarded there in 2015. Japan has more rugby clubs than England, andffrom personal experience fans are fanatical, stadiums large and full, and hospitality excellent. Rugby should broaden its horizons!

Rob, Southampton, Bermuda

To Lewis Swindon
Size does not =value and the English stadiums may be bigger than those in NZ but so are the admission fees way more expensive in England than NZ along with memorabilia, accommodation, transport and everything else right down to those poor excuses for burgers. Just 1 big Rip Off

Gareth Williams, Powys,

So it's allright to co-host with Wales, but not with Scotland Ireland or France? Bit of double standards there I think.

If the SRU had some guts they'd put together a bid for Scotland to host it. We have four 50k+ stadiums and numerous smaller ones.

Donald, edinburgh,

Firstly in any business you must look after your existing client base. Not having the WC in NZ in 2011, where the game is in declined would have serious consequences. I further see no reason for Japan to have the WC. Lets support the second tier nations first such as Italy and especially Argentina.

Peter, Melbourne, Australia

England's stadiums not as good as Japan's? Twickenham, Wembley, Emirates, Old Trafford, St.James's Park, Anfield, Eastlands, need I go on? And as for the grounds in NZ? You'd find more people in a phone box.I would love to see the RWC in Japan but you SH mob don't half talk some cobblers.

Lewis, Swindon, England

Japan & Italy are the ideal candidates to expand the game - Japan probably a heads up on that front.
Why? The stadiums - the infrastructure & again spreading the word. They will sell out big stadiums - we''ll be able to have somewhere to stay -we'll have good transport to & from the games

Paul Thompson, Gloucester, UK

What is this drivel about NZ manipulating the process to get the RWC? NZ has hosted the RWC once, Britain has hosted games in 3 of the 6 RWC. The article was about Britain once more getting the RWC in 2015 , let's discuss whether Japan should have it rather than Britain having it for a 4th time.

Paul, Sydney, Australia

It is a very good point that the finances that flow from RWC need to be maximised. We see the benefits in the IRB supported Pacific Nations Cup and others.

Having said that, Japan and more generally Asia is the growth area for Rugby.

Removing the horsetrading is a good move.

Michael Burden, Sydney, Australia

Hilarious. Jones' supporters are almost as precious as we are. The difference is that you hope you will win, but we KNOW we will.
The modern game is PROFESSIONAL. He who has the money make the rules. Simple really. Future RWC's will go where the most money can be made. Count on it.

Go the AB's!

Ian, New Plymouth, New Zealand

I remember that the first RWC was driven by NZ and Australia - against the wishes of the Eng/Ire/Scot/Wales.

I seem to remember that there was doubt that any of these teams would even go.

Now it is the be all and end all?

Funny that.

Same thing with the ELVes I suspect.

Darryl, Sydney, Australia

A Japan WC would be a disaster. They hashed up the Football WC despite football being head and shoulders ahead of rugby in popularity. A Japan WC will have wrong time zone and lack of local interest. Half filled stadiums will look bad and the country isn't geared up to deal with lots of tourists.

Russ, Benfleet, England

In the spirit of developing the game globally I'd say Italy and Japan are fine options and would add some spice and variety after the dull and offensively self-interest ridden manipulation of New Zealand being the next host.

James Cullup, Oxford,

Jones, you're jumping the gun and showing your terrible narrow-mindedness again. Italy & Japan could both host very lucrative tournaments that serve to expand the game. Besides, the new IRB ruling that the host nation pay £100 million upfront, will solve any of these "financial concerns" you have!

Geoff, Shanghai, China

Absolute tosh as usual. If's only ever about money then all future tournaments will only be in England or...England. The game is best served in the future by reaching out globally to our brother nations, not returning to the mother nation. I look forward to cafe society in Rome and sushi in Tokyo

Bruce Wilson, Auckland, NZ

Oliver, it's called politics and it's rampant everywhere. You'll soon get over it :)

5 reasons why Japan would be better than England......

1. Stadiums are better
2. Food is better (no competition)
3. Weather is better
4. People are nicer
5. Jones doesn't want it there

Sola, Wellington, NZ

i agree entirely that the RWC 2015 should be held in a timezone and geography to maximise revenue following New Zealand's hosting in 2011. And, that one nation tournaments are the way to go. So what about Italy or South Africa.?

Angus, Brisbane, Australia

Japan must host the next world cup! Bigger Economy than the UK by a long way and superior stadiums !

John O'Brien, Al Khor, Qatar

Hang on a minute. The RFU were so loud-mouthed (how unusal) in telling all and sundry how the next RWC needed to be in Asia - specifically - Japan. Now, surprise surprise.... all bets are off as RFU tries to take what everyone has assumed will be Japan's 2015 RWC. Japan for 2015 for sure.

J Lindsay, Meeanee, NZ

Why was it NZ this time and not Japan Mark old boy? Because the powers that be in NZ managed to manipulate the voting to get there way when the whole world could see that it should have been Japan. Classic NZ love affair with themselves! Inverse old colonial ways of the highest order!

Oliver Slacj]k, London, United Kingdom

Why England? Because Jones says so! All the more reason to have it elsewhere like Japan.

Mark , Auckland,

One country will be better than the current allocation.

Whilst NZ will not have the same earning ability for the Rugby World Cup as others, NZ will show whats its like to have an event in one country. The British Lions tour was a good example of that.

Kevin, Hamilton, New Zealand

Does Stephen Jones favour a tournament with a single host or not?

David Merriman, Perth, Australia