France will host the tournament, but French rugby chief Bernard Lapasset announced the move after talks with the Welsh Rugby Union.

Three other games will take place in the principality, while Wales and France will also stage a pre-World Cup warm-up match at the Millennium Stadium.

The exchange completes a deal made when Wales hosted the 1999 tournament.

The IRB then split the games between the four home unions and France, on the understanding that the favour would be returned.

The French Rugby Federation have also given games to Scotland and Ireland, but the Millennium Stadium will be the only country outside of France to stage a quarter-final.

FFR president Lapasset said: We examined ticket prices, comparing the 6 Nations with the European Cup, and discussed what would be an acceptable price level.

We will meet again in September or October with a finalised plan, but I am very happy with the way things are looking.

The 1999 RWC was a major boost to the Welsh economy and earned each of the five hosting nations a cash windfall under the payment scheme devised by the WRU.

In addition to the four games in 2007, Wales can also expect a substantial pay-out.

WRU chairman David Pickering said: This was our first meeting since the confirmation that we will host three pool games and a quarter-final in Wales and everything is moving along nicely.

It is always great for Wales to be able to host international fixtures against the top sides in the world and a World Cup warm-up match against France would certainly help Wales' playing preparations.