Clark salutes World Cup coup

Francois Pienaar, who headed the South African bid, at the announcement in Dublin. Jamie McDonald / Getty Images

Prime Minister Helen Clark said New Zealand's successful bid to host the 2011 rugby World Cup showed that small countries can still play ball when it comes to hosting major sporting events.

"This is an incredibly proud moment for New Zealand, thanks to the successful government-rugby union partnership that underlined the New Zealand Rugby Union's (NZRU) bid for the hosting rights," she said today.

"The contest to host the competition was particularly competitive this time, and we are honoured that the International Rugby Board (IRB) today chose New Zealand to showcase this tournament." 

Helen Clark took part in the final bid presentation to the IRB in Dublin today, along with NZRU chairman Jock Hobbs and chief executive Chris Moller, All Blacks legend Colin Meads and All Blacks captain Tana Umaga.

Both she and Umaga were absent for the decision itself.

He had to return to London ahead of the test against England at Twickenham on Sunday (NZ time), while Clark immediately flew out to Korea for the Apec conference.

Moller said Helen Clark's presence added considerable weight to New Zealand's bid presentation.

"If she had not been there I suspect we would not have won," Moller said.

The Prime Minister heralded the bid win as "an enormous vote of confidence in our country's ability to host major events".

"(It) also shows the important role that small countries like New Zealand can play in international sporting events," she said.

"Like the rugby union, we believe this event will be a spectacle to remember -- for everyone who loves rugby -- the players, and fans and spectators from around the world."

Sport and Recreation Minister Trevor Mallard praised the commitment and hard work undertaken by the bid team and the many other workers who contributed to today's success, not to mention the support from the New Zealand public.

"It is time to celebrate and savour this announcement, before we move to the next stages of work that will lead up to 2011.

"This is hugely positive for not only kiwi rugby, but also because the tournament will deliver significant economic benefits and tourism spinoffs.

"It's estimated it will attract around 60,000 visitors to New Zealand, generate an extra $408 million to the economy, plus an extra tax take exceeding $90 million," Mallard said.

The government and NZRU would make cash contributions towards costs of $20m and $10m respectively.

The cost of bidding was estimated at $3.2 million to date, with the government contributing half.

- NZPA