Singapore - Japan is to bid for hosting the 2015 and 2019 Rugby World Cups with a proposal to play the matches in 10 Japanese cities as well as Singapore and Hong Kong, according to a report in the Straits Times Saturday. If Japan wins the bid, Singapore would host five matches, the report said.

Japan is to formally submit the proposal to the International Rugby Board (IRB) on May 13 which is expected to announce its decision on July 28, 2009.

England, South Africa, Italy, Australia, Wales, Scotland and Ireland were also expected to bid for the 20-team event. (dpa)