Christchurch loses all Rugby World Cup games

The decision to shift the seven planned games was supported by the International Rugby Board, the government, the New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) and tournament organiser Rugby New Zealand 2011 (RNZ 2011).

Auckland gets quarter finals
Eden Park has been confirmed as the venue for the quarter-finals on October 8 and 9 and a decision regarding where the five pool matches will be played is pending and likely before the end of March.

“Eden Park was the only logical alternative to stage two of the tournament’s premier matches given the ground capacity and visitor accommodation demands associated with these quarter-final matches,” said RNZ 2011 chief executive Martin Snedden said.

Aim to keep pool games in South Island
“We are working hard to ensure as many pool matches as reasonably possible remain in the South Island. A key consideration in all of this is to reschedule matches in a way that minimises the impact on other matches and therefore causes the least disruption to existing arrangements for teams and travelling."

International Rugby Board chairman Bernard Lapasset was in Christchurch for the announcement.

“Yesterday we were informed by Stadium Christchurch operator Vbase that it could not guarantee that the extensive repairs required for both the stadium structures and the playing surface could be completed in time. That information 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," he said.

Refunds
Ticket purchasers for all Christchurch matches will be offered the option of a refund or the opportunity to secure tickets to the relevant reallocated matches.

RNZ 2011 has confirmed there will be enough tickets to rescheduled matches for those wanting to take up that option. Full details will be provided by the end of March.

“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,” said RNZ 2011 chairman Brian Roche.

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

“Our hearts go out to Canterbury fans today given the inevitable disappointment this decision will cause for many,” said NZRU chief executive and RNZ 2011 director Steve Tew.

“Tournament partners are looking into a number of initiatives that will give Cantabrians a chance to be part of our Stadium of Four Million. We still want them to play a part in hosting a successful tournament and to share in the excitement of this event.”

The government received some information over the weekend, which was discussed by Ministers, and further information has been received in subsequent days.

VBase, the stadium owners, held a board meeting on Monday to receive the engineering assessments and formally wrote to RNZ2011 on Tuesday advising of its position.  IRB officials flew to New Zealand for a formalised decision meeting in Christchurch this morning.