New Zealand, whose quest to win the World Cup has become a national obsession, yesterday entered the race to stage the 2011 event along with Japan and the 1995 hosts South Africa, whose bid has yet to receive government support.

The All Blacks won their only World Cup as hosts in 1987 and they were due to stage some matches last year as partners to Australia before, in an attempt to stem potential losses, the New Zealand Rugby Union refused to sign a co-hosting agreement.

New Zealand have only made one final since 1987, with failure generating hostility which has always cost coaches their jobs. With the World Cup due to return to the southern hemisphere in 2011 under an unwritten agreement, the NZRU hopes to take advantage of political uncertainty in South Africa. There was speculation before the bids to stage last year's World Cup were submitted that New Zealand would mount a joint offer with Japan, something which may happen in the coming months with the hosts not being decided until November next year.

South Africa have set up the Rugby World Cup Bid Company, whose chief executive Francois Pienaar was the Springboks' captain when they won in 1995, to spearhead their bid.

The New Zealand prop Kees Meeuws, who is considering a move to France, will not be available for next month's European tour by the All Blacks.

Bath have failed in their attempt to sign the Leeds and Wales full-back Matt Cardey, leaving them exposed at the back with Simon Danielli allowed to join the Borders on loan while Matt Perry is out for between three and six months with a back injury.