ST MARY'S Stadium has been confirmed as just one of four stadiums to host south region pool matches in the 2015 Rugby World Cup, should the RFU win its bid to host the event.

As exclusively revealed by the Daily Echo this morning, the RFU has chosen the ground, along with Twickenham, Wembley and the Emirates Stadium, as venues for the group games in September 2015.

Just 12 have been chosen across England and Wales for the entire tournament.

Pool matches would also take place in the Midlands, North and Wales regions.

St Mary's would be one of the smallest capacity grounds used for the World Cup.

Only Gloucester's Kingsholm Stadium, Leicester's Welford Road and Coventry's Ricoh Arena hold less people.

Saints' commercial director John O'Sullivan said: "We are bound by the confidentiality terms of the bid process but we can confirm we are supporting the RFU’s bid for the Rugby World Cup 2015.

"Should England be successful we will work with the IRB and RFU to deliver an outstanding tournament and look forward to welcoming games to St Mary’s.

"The stadium is being utilised as a major concert venue and is also well placed to add the staging of world class rugby to its portfolio of activities.”