England faces stiff opposition from the only other bidder, France, who has also put a new bid to the International Rugby Board.

BBC Sport Online gauges reaction to the RFU's planned efforts to host the tournament in 2007.

Prime Minister Tony Blair: "By 2007, England will have some of the finest sporting facilities available anywhere in the world.

"The staging of the Rugby World Cup in England is an ideal opportunity to show the sporting world our excellent facilities and for the RFU, once again, to demonstrate its world-renowned organisational expertise and excellent hospitality."

England flanker Richard Hill: "For any team, whether it is club or country, home advantage is a big issue.

"The crowd can pick you up if things aren't going well and can push you forward when you're on a roll.

"To get home advantage in a World Cup would be a huge step forward."

French rugby union chief Bernard Lapasset: "I'm not against the English proposal because it comes from the RFU and is competing with our own bid but because it's against the IRB policy of opening our sport to the world.

"It looks attractive but it's pure demagogy."

Tongan rugby chief executive Sakopo Lolohea: "The two-tier approach to the World Cup is truly a World Cup in all senses of the word.

"The structure, in my view, will showcase rugby union in a time-frame never experienced before."

Allan Payne, Hong Kong RFU: "Our main queries are directed at the Rugby World Nations Cup.

"It is considered that, assuming the majority of players participating in this competition would be of amateur status, time off work would be a major problem and prevent nations assembling their best teams."