Christchurch loses Rugby World Cup 2011 Games

It has been officially confirmed that Christchurch will be unable to host the seven Rugby World Cup 2011 matches scheduled to be played at Stadium Christchurch. These matches are now being rescheduled and will be played at other venues in New Zealand.

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

The decision follows a detailed review of reports assessing damage to key tournament facilities and infrastructure caused by the devastating 6.3 magnitude earthquake that struck the city on 22 February 2011 and advice from the stadium operator, Vbase that it could not provide an absolute assurance that all necessary remedial work could be completed in time for RWC 2011.

“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,” said International Rugby Board Chairman, Bernard Lapasset. “This has been a hard decision for all involved, given the place of Canterbury in New Zealand Rugby and the tremendous enthusiasm and support that the people of Christchurch have displayed for RWC 2011. 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.”

Ticket purchasers for all Christchurch matches are to 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 sufficient availability of tickets to rescheduled matches for those wanting to take up that option.