The New Zealand cities of Wellington and Christchurch will each host two quarter-finals of the 2011 Rugby World Cup, organisers said Thursday.

The decision went against the reported preference of International Rugby Board chief executive Mike Miller that Auckland and one other city should host the quarter-finals.

Auckland, which will have the country's biggest stadium with 60,000 seats, has already been confirmed at the venue for the final and semi-finals and Thursday also won the right to host the play-off for third placing in the tournament.

Rugby New Zealand 2011 chief executive Martin Snedden said the decision to give the quarter-finals to Wellington and Christchurch was ratified by Dublin-based Rugby World Cup Ltd (RWCL) Wednesday.

"Wellington and Christchurch are renowned international rugby venues and we are confident these cities and their surrounding regions will be great hosts for these important matches," RWCL chairman Bernard Lapasset said in a statement.

Snedden said holding at least two games in Auckland would have meant a better financial return for the tournament, but it was important to spread major matches around the country.

"This decision gives fans in the Wellington and Christchurch regions something really special to look forward to in 2011," Snedden said.

The four quarter-finals will be played on October 7, 8 and 9 in 2011.

The semi-finals will be played on the weekend of October 15 and 16 and the final the following weekend.

AFP

Back to Home

Print