Johannesburg - The South African Rugby Union (SARU) on Wednesday said it remained hopeful of hosting either Rugby World Cup 2015 or 2019, despite failing to win the recommendation of the board of Rugby World Cup Limited (RWCL).

England (2015) and Japan (2019) were named as the board’s preferred hosts for the next two Tournaments after a tender process that also included Italy as well as South Africa. The final decision rests with the council of the International Rugby Board (IRB) who meet in Dublin on July 28 to finalise the hosting nations.

“We are very disappointed not to have won the board’s recommendation but we have not given up,” said Mark Alexander, deputy president of SARU and chairperson of the bid committee.

“We met and frequently exceeded every criteria of the tender document and we will now have to examine the findings of the report presented by RWCL to the board.

“Our congratulations go to the recommended bidders – they have been working for their union and their nations as we have – but we will be looking for some clarifications on the recommendations from the IRB.”

A SARU bid team led by Alexander and former Springbok captain Morne du Plessis presented South Africa’s case to the RWCL board and council members in mid-May. RWCL staff and specialist consultants prepared reports on the four bids before the board made their recommendations.

The SARU bid was backed by government who underwrote the minimum tournament guarantee. The guarantee underwrites ticket sales for the tournament.

“The IRB asked for a minimum guarantee and we were the only nation to offer in excess of that. Our bid received exceptional assistance and support from the Sports Minister, Makhenkesi Stofile, the Department of Sport and Recreation as well as cabinet and without their backing we simply would not have bid. The rugby community of South Africa is very grateful to them.

“Their support would ensure that a Rugby World Cup in South Arica would be a financial success to aid in the growing of the game globally, while the infrastructure and facilities that are being put in place for the FIFA 2010 World Cup would provide rugby with an outstanding stage on which to showcase the game.

“As well as our traditional rugby facilities, we will have amazing new and iconic stadiums in which players, spectators and media will be able to celebrate the game as rugby probably never has had the opportunity before.”