Noboru Mashimo is hoping to bring the Rugby World Cup to Japan in 2015 or 2019 © Getty Images

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Japan Rugby Football Union chairman Nobby Mashimo has confirmed his country has made a formal bid to host the World Cup in both 2015 and 2019.

The JRFU lost out to New Zealand for the right to host the 2011 tournament, but Mashimo is trying again as he believes a winning Japanese bid will unlock the door for rugby's future growth in Asia.

"We are bidding to host the Rugby World Cup not just for Japan but for Asia," he said. "Bringing the RWC to Japan and Asia will unlock the potential of rugby as a truly global sport.

"It will not only bring rugby closer to the Asian community, but will foster the growth of the sport worldwide and spread the rugby spirit of teamwork and respect."

In August, the International Rugby Board reported a record response from countries looking to bid to host the two editions of the World Cup. A total of 10 unions formally expressed an intention to host either tournament after all IRB Member Unions were invited to put a bid forward.

Australia, England, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Scotland, South Africa and Wales formally confirmed their interest in hosting RWC 2015.

Meanwhile, Australia, Ireland, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Russia, Scotland, South Africa and Wales submitted an expression of interest in tendering for the 2019 tournament.

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