ENGLAND MAY be forced into a joint bid with Scotland, Wales and Ireland for the 2015 Rugby World Cup if they want to secure an €85 million guarantee from the British government.

The Rugby Football Union (RFU) had been determined to go it alone in bidding for the tournament but have hit a hurdle in the €85 million “tournament fee” being demanded by the International Rugby Board.

British government ministers have been in talks with the Home Nations’ unions, and it is understood they are now in favour of supporting a joint bid by all four countries.

Although no agreements have been reached on underwriting the €85 million, there have been proposals the British government and the Scottish Executive could both contribute towards the tournament fee for a joint bid.

Only the RFU oppose a joint bid; they believe co-hosting the event would severely cut the revenue they could expect from the tournament if they have to share it with Scotland, Wales and Ireland.

Ministers are now hoping the four unions can settle their differences, having been persuaded the timing of the tournament in September and October – during a busy football period – would mean the need for stadiums in the other Home Nations.

The RFU had hoped to use the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff for some matches without involving Wales as official co-hosts.

Italy and South Africa are strong rivals for the 2015 tournament.