Ireland may have missed out on hosting the 2023 World Cup, but the IRFU could be part of a joint bid to stage the 2031 tournament.

World Rugby has opened the bidding process for the 2027 and 2031 tournaments.

Ireland lost out to France in the competition to host in two years' time.

It's likely that the 2027 renewal will be awarded to a Southern hemisphere nation, with Australia seen as front runners.

That leaves any bid involving Ireland, England, Scotland and Wales as a strong contender, with interest also expected from the United States.

The English RFU have confirmed that the four nations across Ireland and Britain are considering a bid.

In a statement to the Guardian, the English RFU said:

"The four rugby unions of the UK and Ireland are considering the merits of a joint bid to host the (2031) Rugby World Cup.

"Collective discussions with government partners across the UK and Ireland have not yet taken place and a decision on whether to bid has not yet been made."

In 1991 and 1999 the four 'home nations' were hosts of the Rugby World Cup.

In both years Ireland staged matches at the old Lansdowne Road, with England hosting the final at Twickenham in 1991 and Wales staging the decider in Cardiff in 1999.