New Zealand, South Africa and Japan are leading the race to host rugby unions global spectacular in seven years time.

New Zealand would have co-hosted the 2003 event - won by England - with Australia, but a row that erupted between senior Kiwi officials and the IRB.

The New Zealand Rugby Football Union were in dispute over several issues, including advertising at World Cup venues, and the IRB subsequently withdrew their co-host offer.

It left Australia to stage all 48 games, culminating in England beating the Wallabies last November.

New Zealand staged games during the inaugural World Cup 17 years ago, including the final in Auckland when the All Blacks defeated France, while South Africa triumphed as 1995 host nation.

The World Cup bandwagon has never previously visited Japan though, and it is thought they will have strong claims for the 2011 event.

It is very encouraging that three of our member Unions have shown an interest in hosting the worlds premier rugby event, said Mike Miller, managing director of Rugby World Cup Limited.

It reflects the growth in popularity of the game worldwide.

Minimum criteria for hosting the tournament will be approved next month, with tender documents then sent to the three interested unions.

Confirmation of interest will be required next January, before a formal tender submission in May and a final decision on the host nation being made by IRB Council members six months later.

France were comprehensive winners of a vote to stage World Cup 2007.