<P> The IRB announced in April 2003 that France had won the right to host the tournament . The French bid won with 18 out of 21 votes, with IRB Chairman Syd Millar stating that "The council was overwhelmingly of the view that the structure should remain as it is ." The tournament was moved to the proposed September--October dates with the tournament structure remaining as it was . It was also announced that ten French cities would be hosting games, with the final at the Stade de France . </P> <P> New Zealand, Japan, and South Africa bid to host the tournament . South Africa was eliminated in the first round of IRB voting; in the second round, New Zealand won the vote 13 to 8, and the IRB Council awarded the hosting of the 2011 Rugby World Cup to New Zealand . The bidding occurred in November 2005, the first time that hosting rights had been awarded to a nation six years in advance . The voting procedure was managed by a team of independent auditors . </P> <P> Some bookmakers had initially made Japan the favourite to win the vote, reasoning that it was believed there was a desire to take the Rugby World Cup to a non-traditional rugby nation, and host the event in Asia for the first time . </P> <P> There were also concerns about New Zealand's infrastructure, however an IRB fact - finding mission impressed the executives . </P>

Where will the 2027 rugby world cup be held