New Zealand have emerged as one of four countries to have expressed an interested in hosting the 2014 Women’s Rugby World Cup.

New Zealand, Samoa, Kazakhstan and the United States have all submitted their interest to the International Rugby Board.

But the New Zealand Rugby Union have also indicated they will discuss joint hosting opportunities with Samoa before deciding whether or not to lodge a full bid.

NZRU chief executive Steve Tew said because of New Zealand’s success in the women’s tournament and the opportunity to build on the hosting of the men’s Rugby World Cup 2011, the NZRU decided to lodge an expression of interest to keep their options open.

“However,” Tew said.

“We have been made aware of Samoa’s interest in the 2014 tournament and would not want to compete with our Pacific neighbours for the hosting rights given the relationship we have with the Pacific Islands countries and the impact that this tournament could have there.

“As a result, we will explore ways to work with and support Samoa and have communicated that to the Samoan Rugby Union.”

New Zealand have won the last three Women’s Rugby World Cup titles and will defend their crown next year in England.

The previous hosts are Wales (1991), Scotland (1994), the Netherlands (1998), Spain (2002) and Canada (2006).(source)