The 2015 World Cup will not be coming to Scotland after Scottish Rugby announced that it has withdrawn from the International Rugby Board tender process.

In July 2008 Scottish Rugby, working in tandem with Event Scotland and the Scottish Government, revealed plans to join forces with the other home unions in a bid to stage the 2015 and or 2019 World Cup.

Each nation had planned to host a pool and at least one quarter final tie in what was viewed by most as an exciting prospect for world rugby, with Scottish Rugby agreeing the required financial backing from the Scottish Government.

But discussions between the four home unions have subsequently broken down with no agreement being reached leaving Scottish Rugby to pursue other options in a bid to host other international rugby events in the future.

Scottish Rugby chief executive Gordon McKie said: "We have always stated that we believe that a four home Unions bid would have been a strong bid and one which would have been positively received by world rugby and indeed the IRB.

"During the review process we have worked closely with the Scottish Government who have offered every assistance and we are grateful for their support during the bid process.

"We plan to work with our Scottish partners to ensure that we are successful in hosting future international rugby and sporting events in Scotland."