Rwc Forced Out Of Christchurch

The Rugby World Cup 2011 tournament partners have unanimously decided that the New Zealand city of Christchurch will be unable to host the seven World Cup matches scheduled to be played at the Lancaster Park Stadium.

The news follows the damage caused by the 6.3 magnitude earthquake that hit the city on 22nd February.

The Christchurch venue was due to hold two quarterfinals and five group games during the competition.

The decision was made by tournament owners the International Rugby Board, the New Zealand Government, the New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) and the tournament organiser, Rugby New Zealand 2011.

Under advice from the stadium operator Vbase, and a detailed review of reports assessing the damage to key tournament facilities and infrastructure, it was decided that there was no guarantee that all necessary remedial work could be completed in time for the Rugby World Cup.

International Rugby Board chairman Bernard Lapasset, said: ‘That information, coupled with a thorough review of every aspect of hosting RWC 2011 in the city, means that tournament partners have been left with no choice but to make the difficult decision to reallocate the seven matches due to be played in Christchurch’.

Ticket holders for the Christchurch matches will be offered the option of a refund, or the opportunity to secure tickets to the relocated games.

The two quarterfinal fixtures, scheduled for the 8th and 9th October, have been moved to Eden Park, Auckland, with a capacity of 60,000, while the group ties will be distributed between other World Cup venues, such as Dunedin, Ivercargill and Nelson.

Lapasset added: ‘The thoughts of the global Rugby family continue to be with the people of Christchurch and everyone affected as they focus on the city’s rebuilding process and repair of key public services and facilities’.

Rugby New Zealand 2011 chairman Brian Roche, said: ‘We know Cantabrians are passionate about Rugby and we know that many wanted the matches to remain as a way to unite and heal their shattered city’. 

‘However, we needed to weigh up the risks of continuing with matches in Christchurch with just 25 weeks until the world’s third largest sporting event kicks off. Sadly, we collectively agreed the risks were too great. The timeframes for repairs were too tight, the uncertainty too much’.

Meanwhile, as a result of the earthquake in Christchurch last month, the RFU have agreed to host the Super Rugby Sharks v Crusaders match at Twickenham on Sunday 27th March.