They have been selected from more than 80 applications as potential team bases for the tournament in England.

Rugby clubs, universities, colleges, schools and established training grounds are among the 65 proposed sites.

They have today been named on an "approved list", and will go through to the next phase of selection.

The full list of bases, which could number up to 50, will not be published until it is finalised later this year.

A team base must include an indoor and outdoor training facility, a gym, an indoor swimming pool and a hotel.

The list of 65 bases, from across more than 30 English counties, and Wales, will be used to give the 20 competing nations their team base options.

Many are currently undertaking visits of prospective sites.

England Rugby 2015 chief executive Debbie Jevans want to ensure conditions are "absolutely right" for players competing next year ©Getty Images



England Rugby 2015 chief executive Debbie Jevans said: "We are fortunate to have such a great number of excellent facilities available to host the teams in 2015 and we are pleased to have a good range including rugby clubs, colleges, universities, schools and training centres on the approved list.

"Rugby is at the heart of all our planning and it is vital that, in our role as the Organising Committee, we do all we can to ensure that we get the conditions absolutely right for the players to prepare for the game's premier event.