The Millennium Stadium could host eight games of the 2015 World Cup
The Welsh Rugby Union is pleased that the Rugby Football Union is still pushing to include Cardiff in plans for hosting the 2015 Rugby World Cup.
Rugby World Cup Ltd has recommended England to the International Rugby Board Council as the host for 2015.
The RWCL board have indicated a strong preference for all future World Cups to be staged in just one country "unless compelling reasons can be presented".
WRU boss Roger Lewis is "confident" that Wales can present such a case.
The RFU bid proposed that six pool-stage matches would take place at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium along with two quarter-final games, although the WRU would not be co-hosts.
The IRB council will make their final decision on 28 July, with South Africa, Italy and Japan also in the race to host the competition.
"The Millennium Stadium is recognised throughout the rugby world as one of the finest stadiums around today," said WRU group chief executive Lewis.
"Cardiff is only two hours by train from London and 25 minutes across the border from England.
"Most importantly, the financial model we have created with the RFU guarantees the success of the 2015 World Cup.
"I want to congratulate the RFU on the successful progress of their excellent bid and I am delighted they want to seek approval for games to be played at the Millennium Stadium.
"I have spoken to the chairman of the RFU, Martyn Thomas, and passed on my best wishes for a tournament that will undoubtedly be a fantastic boost for our game.
"I am confident the IRB Council will fully understand the positive localised arguments in favour of games taking place at the Millennium Stadium and I will personally work as hard as possible to press that case so that Welsh rugby fans can enjoy the 2015 Rugby World Cup to the full.
"As well as its location the stadium boasts a retractable roof which ensures that the games will always take place in decent weather conditions.
South Africa captain John Smit celebrates winning the 2007 World Cup
"This week we have seen how important a retractable roof can be at Wimbledon so everyone understands the value of such a system in a major tournament which attracts worldwide tv attention.
"I am also delighted for everyone in Japan who has worked so hard to secure the recommendation of their nation as host for the 2019 tournament.
"[Wales Under-20 coach] Phil Davies and our U20 squad have been full of praise for the great welcome they received at the recent Junior World Championships held there."
Twickenham, Wembley, Anfield, Old Trafford and the Emirates Stadium would be the English venues for the tournament, with the final to be played at Twickenham.
Bookmark with:
What are these?