Bernard Lapasset, the International Rugby Board (IRB) chairman, said after an inspection tour that both countries had told the JRFU that they did not want to co-host what will be the first Rugby World Cup held in Asia.

It was initially intended that Hong Kong and New Zealand would play a role in hosting games during the tournament.

Mori said: "Hong Kong and Singapore have told us they are withdrawing.

"Japan will host the tournament on its own.

"Some countries were saying the 2019 tournament should be held elsewhere, but I think we've managed to further our understanding with the IRB."

Lapasset claimed convinced that Japan's safety measures were sufficient following March's devastating earthquake and tsunami.

He said: "We are behind the Japanese Rugby community and I am certain that the World Cup 2019 will be a competition which Japan and the International Rugby family will be proud of."

However, this summer's Pacific Nations Cup will see five of its six games moved away from Japan and to Fiji.

Japan is only hosting the opener against Samoa on July 2 as it prepares for this year's World Cup, being held in New Zealand.

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]


Related stories
July 2009: England and Japan to host 2015 and 2019 Rugby World Cup