World Rugby has confirmed that France, Ireland, Italy and South Africa are in the running to host the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
The four nations all submitted their interest by the June 15 deadline. The USA, who were rumoured to have applied and were considered the initial frontrunners to host the tournament, did not step forward.
World Rugby Chairman Bernard Lapasset said: "We are delighted with the strong level of Rugby World Cup 2023 hosting interest from unions and governments, which highlights the enormous appeal of Rugby World Cup as a low-risk, high-return economic, social and sporting driver.
"Although USA Rugby ultimately decided not to proceed with a formal bid, it was very encouraging that they originally had expressed an interest in hosting rugby's flagship tournament.
"In the end, they decided to focus instead on other upcoming projects, not least the hosting of Rugby World Cup Sevens 2018, but they are an ambitious and progressive union and I have no doubt they will bid to host Rugby World Cup at some point in the future."
It is now thought that Italy are favourites to host the competition, although Ireland have never hosted before - unlike South Africa and France.
Japan will host the 2019 Rugby World Cup.
