GLOUCESTER have moved a step closer to hosting World Cup rugby at Kingsholm.

Tournament organisers have recommended England's bid to host the 2015 Rugby World Cup to the International Rugby Board.

The Rugby Football Union held off competition from South Africa, Italy and Japan to receive the endorsement from Rugby World Cup Limited.

And with Kingsholm named as one of only two specialist rugby grounds – along with Welford Road, Leicester – in England's bid, it is good news for the Cherry and Whites.

The final decision will be made by the IRB's council on July 28.

Japan have been recommended as hosts for the 2019 World Cup and World Cup organisers believe a combination of England and Japan provides "the best balanced combination of hosts for the continued worldwide development of the game".

England's commercial power would allow RWCL to maximise their revenues in 2015, allowing them to take the World Cup to an emerging nation for the first time four years later.

England would use iconic stadia such as Wembley, Anfield, Old Trafford and the Emirates Stadium for the tournament, with the final to be played at Twickenham.

RFU chairman Martyn Thomas said: "The RFU is delighted that Rugby World Cup Limited has decided to recommend England to the IRB Council as the host for RWC 2015.

"When we presented to the council in May we said that in the current difficult economic environment we could deliver a low-risk, high-return tournament that would leave a lasting legacy for the global game.

"We would like to reiterate that commitment and promise that we will pack iconic stadia full of excited fans and that we will give the game the best possible global platform on which to showcase itself to the world."