International rugby stars could be on their way to Elmbridge after Cobham Rugby Club was named as an approved team base for the 2015 World Cup this week.
 

Cobham Sports Association in Fairmile Lane is one of 65 sites across England identified by tournament organisers as capable of hosting a national team.
 

The application process is ongoing, but England Rugby 2015 believe the facilities at Cobham – significantly redeveloped since 2007, starting with a new clubhouse – are already good enough to provide any competing nation with their team base.
 

Cobham Sports Association  director Anthony Balkwill said: “This is a fantastic accolade for our association, Cobham Rugby Club and its members.
 

“We are still working with England Rugby 2015 through the process and hope we will be selected for Rugby World Cup 2015.”
 

Cobham Sport Association’s bid has been backed by support from ACS Cobham, who, if selected, will provide fitness and swimming pool facilities – to the delight of the school’s director of sport David Schuchter.
 

“It is exciting for our school to be able to play a key role in this bid,” he said.
 

“Our swimming pool and fitness facilities are of an excellent standard.”
 

The borough of Kingston is also on the approved list, having tabled a joint bid
with Kingston University, Nuffield Health, Kingston College and the Holiday Inn.