He was not in Japan on RWC 2011 business, but flew there to attend the semi-finals of the Japan Rugby Cup after attending the draw for the Rugby World Cup Sevens 2005 in Hong Kong. He had also been invited to receive and present a cheque to the United Nations World Food Programme from money raised by the Japan Rugby Union.
In response to media questions he gave his backing to the suitability of the Yokohama Stadium to host the Rugby World Cup final, but the IRB insist this in no way reflected an opinion that Japan should host the 2011 tournament.
Reports also commented on the IRB identifying the need to take the game to countries outside of its traditional heartlands. The board claims this quote was about the potential growth of the game and the goals of the new IRB strategic plan - not a comment about where the Rugby World Cup should be.
RWC Limited has received official notification from the Japan, New Zealand and South Africa Unions that they intend submitting tender documents for the right to host the 2011 tournament.
None of the unions have yet submitted their tenders as they are not due until the end of May this year.
The IRB will visit the three unions in June/July before announcing the winner in November this year.
