Kingston has been shortlisted to host teams and provide training locations when the Rugby World Cup comes to England and Cardiff next year.
Among the locations which have met the criteria for training grounds are Kingston University, the Nuffield Health Club and Kingston College.
Councillor Simon James, Kingston’s Lead Member for sport, said: ”We have a lot to offer. The number of places proposed for training have met the technical criteria, but it is more than just that.
”We are very close to Twickenham which is great.”
He added: ”It does not guarantee us, but it would be great to get one of the top teams.”
England Rugby 2015 requires up to 50 bases for use during the tournament, of which will be confirmed in mid-2014.
Players from as far as South Africa and Tonga will be making their way to the UK to compete, and all locations must meet the international team training standards and be situated within a reasonable distance from one another.
Ian Jennings, sport and active lifestyle manager at Kingston University, said: ”It is an exciting project. There are various stages and written asessments. We will have to see how it all plays out, but our proximety to Twickenham Stadium helps.”
Mr Jennings, added: ”The Tolworth court sports ground would be an ideal place for match training because it consists of a 55 acre space, with a nice pavillion so it would be a great location.”
Image courtesy of Rex Features/Calsportmedia
