Murrayfield has had a taste of World Cup action before

The Scots would face stiff competition from Japan, who have already announced their intention to bid for the tournament.

Murrayfield will be the venue for Scotland's games against New Zealand and Romania at next year's World Cup, which is mainly being held in France.

Scotland has also hosted World Cup matches in 1991 and 1999.

Murrayfield was used in '91 when England were the chief hosts, while Glasgow's Hampden Park and Netherdale in Galashiels were also used when the tournament was based in Wales in '99.

A steering group - which met for the first time last month - will decide whether Scotland should bid for the 2015 event.

The body is chaired by Event Scotland and features representatives from the SRU, the Scottish Executive, Scottish Enterprise, Edinburgh city council, Glasgow City Marketing Bureau and sportscotland.

A statement from the SRU read: "The steering group is expected to make its recommendations to Scottish Rugby and Scottish ministers in the summer of 2007.

"Conducting the feasibility study demonstrates Scotland's ambition to bid for and stage major international events."

New Zealand will host the 2011 event.