Scottish Rugby confirmed today that it has withdrawn from the IRB (International Rugby Board) tender process in respect of co-hosting the Rugby World Cup (RWC) in 2015 and/or 2019.

In July 2008, Scottish Rugby concluded with Event Scotland and its key partners, including the Scottish Government, that a four home Unions RWC bid for 2015 would be an exciting prospect for world rugby, with each Union being allocated a pool and at least one quarter final tie.

The Scottish Government confirmed its willingness to sub underwrite an equitable proportion of the required £80m event guarantee expected by the IRB in return for Scotland to be able to host these games. As the discussions progressed including discussions with the UK Government an agreement between the four home Unions could not be secured. 

 Scottish Rugby will continue to liaise with the IRB and its Scottish partners, with a view to bidding to host other international rugby events in the future.

Gordon McKie, Scottish Rugby Chief Executive, said: “We have always stated that we believe that a four home Unions bid would have been a strong bid and one which would have been positively received by world rugby and indeed the IRB.  During the review process we have worked closely with the Scottish Government who have offered every assistance and we are grateful for their support during the bid process.

“We plan to work with our Scottish partners to ensure that we are successful in hosting future international rugby and sporting events in Scotland. “