GLOUCESTER says it's "confident" after submitting its bid to become a venue for the Rugby World Cup in two years time.
Gloucester Rugby Club was "extremely happy" with the application it made to organisers of the tournament, due to take place in 2015, said media manager Duncan Wood yesterday.
Along with the prestige of hosting a match, there is also an expected regenerative economic boost to the city's restaurants, bars, hotels and taxis of 16,500 spectators arriving to watch a world cup game.
Plus there is also the possibility of legacy money for improved sporting facilities elsewhere in the city, as reported on Saturday, thanks to the involvement in the process of Gloucester City Council.
Figures for that as high as £50 million have been bandied about, although sources yesterday suggested that might be an over estimate.
The city council preferred not to comment but, for the club, Mr Wood said: "The bid process has been going along for the last six months. We are now in a position where all we can do is wait. From Gloucester Rugby Club's point of view, we are extremely happy and confident with the bid that we have submitted in conjunction with the City of Gloucester". Mr Wood said the club would probably know whether they were successful by late March or early April.
Matson Rugby Club youth manager Stuart Locke said any funding for community sports facilities would be fantastic.
Money was needed for basic training equipment and kit, he said.
"Tackle shields, bags and kit, just the basics really," Mr Locke said.
Some 400,000 fans from over 100 countries are expected to visit England for ER 2015 – England Rugby 2015.
In England 17 clubs, including Gloucester, have bid to host games and only 12 are due to be selected.
If Gloucester gained host city status that is what might unlock the doors of central government regeneration funding, leading possibly to money for other sporting developments locally.
Whitehall has promised cash windfalls to increase opportunities for other sports in host cities and that is where Gloucester City Council's support and lobbying comes in to play.
