The news comes just days after South Africa was awarded hosting rights for the 2010 football World Cup.

South African Rugby Football Union chairman Brian van Rooyen said other African countries would be invited to stage some matches.

New Zealand, the United States and Japan could also join the bidding process when it starts later this year.

New Zealand had been due to co-host some matches of the 2003 World Cup with Australia, but the plan was dropped after a row.

South Africa hosted and won the Rugby World Cup in 1995, and Van Rooyen believes facilities built for the football World Cup could be used in 2011.

"It is rugby's view that we have to use the opportunities that present themselves within the upgrade of soccer," he said.