The IRFU has applied to the International Rugby Board (IRB) to host the World Cup in either 2015 or 2019.

The IRB confirmed the application tonight when revealing there had been a record number of requests to host the tournaments.

In total, eight countries - Australia, England, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Scotland, South Africa and Wales - have applied to host the 2015 showpiece, while all of the above, except England, have submitted an interest in hosting the 2019 tournament, with Jamaica and Russia adding their names to the hat.

IRB Chairman Bernard Lapasset said: "This is tremendous news for Rugby World Cup. The fact that 10 member unions have signalled their intention to tender for the 2015 and 2019 tournaments reflects the growing global prestige of the Rugby World Cup.

The unions must submit a detailed application and present their cases to IRB Council by May 2009.

The host countries will be selected on July 28th, 2009.

Japan is widely expected to be selected as host nation for the 2015 tournament after surprisingly losing out to New Zealand when bidding for 2011.

Having co-hosted the 2002 World Cup and applied for the 2011 rugby equivalent, Japan has a significant headstart on the other applicants.