THE Reebok Stadium will be used during the 2007 Rugby Union World Cup if England outbids France for the prestigious sporting event.

The futuristic venue is lined up alongside Old Trafford and the City of Manchester Stadium to host some of the tournament's major matches, the International Rugby Board and the Six Nations Committee has revealed.

It would bring hundreds of thousands of pounds into the town and see the stadium beamed across the world to millions of TV viewers.

The tournament would be contested by 16 top international teams including England, Australia, France, New Zealand, Scotland and Ireland.

A secondary tournament called the Rugby World Nations Cup would -- if the bid is successful -- run in Britain at the same time. It would take place at smaller grounds with 32 developing rugby nations taking part including Japan and Morocco.

Bolton's involvement follows on from the hugely successful and money-spinning Commonwealth Games last year. A Reebok Stadium spokesman said: "We're delighted to be included as one of the major venues for this world cup bid and it shows how highly regarded the ground is in Britain."

Barbara Ronson, Liberal Democrat councillor for Horwich, said: "It will help to keep Horwich on the sporting map."

Horwich hosted badminton at Bolton Arena during the Commonwealth Games and there was cycling in nearby Rivington.

Adlington-born Bill Beaumont, former England and British Lions captain, said: "It is important to bring these events to the north which is a very passionate sporting area."

Mr Beaumont is a member of the International Rugby Board and the Six Nations Committee and he is involved in putting together's Britain's bid. This country is up against France in a two-horse race to host the event.