Christchurch will no longer host the Rugby World Cup 2011 matches that were scheduled to be played in the city when New Zealand hosts the world’s third-largest sporting event later this year.
The announcement came today that RWC 2011 Tournament partners have reluctantly decided that due to damage caused by the 22 February 2011 earthquake, Christchurch will be unable to host the matches. The seven matches scheduled to be played in Christchurch will now be held at alternative venues around New Zealand – the quarter-finals reallocated to Eden Park and the pool matches to other venues.
An assessment of damage to infrastructure and tournament facilities caused by the 6.3 magnitude earthquake that struck the city last month, and advice from the stadium operator, Vbase, that it could not guarantee the completion of repairs in time for the event, led to the decision. It was unanimously supported by the International Rugby Board, the New Zealand Government, the New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) and Tournament organiser Rugby New Zealand 2011 (RNZ 2011).
“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.”
Eden Park in Auckland has been confirmed as the venue for the quarter-finals scheduled for 8 and 9 October 2011, and a decision on the venue for the five pool matches is likely to be made before the end of March. Those who have purchased tickets for the Christchurch matches will be offered a refund or the opportunity to obtain tickets to the reallocated matches. For further information, visit www.rugbyworldcup.com/tickets.