Rwc 2011 Confirms Host Venues

The organisers of the Rugby World Cup 2011 have allocated the hosting rights to 23 centres across New Zealand with the England team to train at venues in Auckland, Christchurch and Dunedin ahead of their group matches.

The English will begin their stay in New Zealand at QE II Park in Christchurch before moving on Carisbrook/University Oval in Dundein, finishing the group matches at the Trusts Stadium in Auckland.

In making the announcement, Rugby New Zealand 2011 Ltd (RNZ 2011 Ltd) CEO Martin Snedden stated: ‘We as a nation are passionate about Rugby so it’s fantastic that we can bring RWC 2011 to the backyards of so much of New Zealand.

‘This announcement is particularly exciting for many smaller centres which applied to host teams outside the 13 match venues already named.’

Twenty-three centres – 16 in the North Island and seven in the South Island – will host at least one of the 20 participating teams with a further ten additional centres also selected.

‘We have said all along that we wanted as many communities as reasonably possible to get a first hand taste of this exciting Tournament. Today’s announcement is a really important component in bringing to life New Zealand’s Stadium of Four Million,’ added Snedden.

‘It’s a great opportunity for everyone. Teams will be able to experience more of New Zealand’s rich culture and spectacular scenery and these hosting communities will be able to showcase themselves, their hospitality and attractions to the world.

‘Today we are also announcing that teams will use a total of 47 training grounds across the country for the duration of RWC 2011. This mixture of Rugby club, school and public training facilities will help many communities get even closer to Rugby’s showpiece tournament as well as giving teams an outstanding platform for their preparations.

‘What is really fantastic is that teams and fans can experience our passion for the game in rugby’s grassroots where our traditions are strongest.

‘For example, Tonga and Samoa will train at one of the oldest clubs in the country, the Ponsonby Rugby Club.

‘Teams will also train at several schools which have a proud tradition of Rugby such as Southland Boy’s High, Christ’s College, New Plymouth Boy’s High and Rotorua Boy’s High.

‘I am confident that all of the hosting communities will take advantage of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and give teams and fans a friendly welcome, great service and a Kiwi experience they will treasure forever,’ concluded Snedden.

Each of the host centres will also be integrated into the RWC 2011 Festival to be wrapped around the tournament which aims to ensure people around the country have the opportunity to take part in the Rugby World Cup 2011 experience.