World Rugby's Council could still opt for any of the three bids when it votes on November 15th, but is expected to rubber-stamp the recommendation and some unions, including New Zealand, have indicated that they will follow the Board's choice.
Japan will host the next tournament in 2019, the first in Asia.
Ireland's joint Republic and Northern Irish bid had been the bookmakers' favourites having never been the main host before while France were the outsiders having staged the tournament in 2007.