Rugby bosses are ready to take the World Cup to America as they continue to grow the game.
United States officials have submitted a proposal to host the tournament in 2027 or 2031, which would see matches staged at American Football grounds.
The revolutionary move follows World Rugby's decision to take their showpiece global tournament to Asia for the first time, with sell-out matches in Japan.
France will stage the next finals in 2023, but it's up for grabs after that and the US want to be considered.
It would mirror FIFA taking their 1994 football World Cup Stateside and, it is reported, would enable rugby to tap into a commercial goldmine.
The Daily Mail quote World Rugby chief executive Brett Gosper as saying the Americans have expressed interest .
"It’s a hard one to predict, but I think the sport should be considering the move to North America," said Gosper.
‘It gives us interesting growth possibilities and individuals in the American system have expressed an interest.
"There are some high net-worth individuals investing in sport over there.
‘It would certainly accelerate some possibilities in that part of the world which would be good for everyone because the revenue would go back into the game. We’ve got 2027 and 2031 to decide. 2031 could give time for an American bid to be very credible and very strong."
Alan Gilpin, who is co-ordinating the tournament in Japan, said: "The World Cup generates funding we need to grow the sport for the four years in between.
‘Whether it’s the USA, South America or Asia, we’ve got to look at those opportunities.
‘Rugby’s been played at NFL stadiums — particularly at Soldier Field in Chicago. There would be challenges about putting on a World Cup in those venues but I’m sure we could overcome that if we had the chance.’
Wales beat South Africa 22-20 at the RFK Stadium in Washington last year, a venue that used to be home to the US capital's NFL team.
Ireland also recorded an historic victory over New Zealand at Soldier Field, home to the Chicago Bears.
