SOUTHAMPTON has been handed a chance to play its part in a “lasting legacy".

The city is one of only nine chosen by the English RFU to host World Cup games in 2015 if the association’s bid is successful.

Saints’ St Mary’s stadium has been chosen by the RFU to host qualifying pool games – as exclusively revealed by the Daily Echo yesterday.

It is one of only four southern venues selected along with Twickenham, Wembley and Arsena’s Emirates Stadium.

Other stadiums chosen are Premier League grounds Anfield, Old Trafford and St James’s Park plus Coventry’s Ricoh Arena, Leeds’ Elland Road and Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium.

Just two rugby club grounds have been selected – Gloucester’s Kingsholm and Leicester’s Welford Road.

Full story in today's Daily Echo