Key event in ABs' Rugby World Cup quest

Prime Minister John Key. Photo / Mark Mitchell

Prime Minister John Key's close association with the All Blacks will become even closer if he takes up an invitation to attend the Rugby World Cup squad announcement at Parliament.

Sunday's announcement is a key event in the tournament build-up and is being held at Parliament's Banquet Hall at the request of New Zealand Rugby.

Sport and Recreation Minister Jonathan Coleman will attend as co-host, and the Herald understands he will be joined by his boss, whose close ties and well-known support for the world champion team have raised eyebrows in the past.

A spokesman for the Prime Minister said he had been invited but was yet to finalise his plans.

All Opposition party leaders have been invited alongside government ministers.

Nigel Cass, NZ Rugby's general manager of planning and operations, said the organisation was pleased the announcement would be made at Parliament.

"[This is] a place which represents all of New Zealand, and a venue which has hosted many sporting events and teams in the past, including the All Blacks."

Labour's sport and recreation spokesman, Trevor Mallard, said he had been invited and would attend the event, and it was up to NZ Rugby to decide how to run the announcement.

Dr Coleman said many different organisations used Parliament for events.

"NZ Rugby approached my office, as Sport and Recreation Minister I was happy to facilitate. The All Blacks are New Zealand's team, and the Rugby World Cup is an important event for many Kiwis."

While his predecessor Helen Clark was known for her love of rugby league, Mr Key has forged a particularly close relationship with NZ Rugby during his time in power and is a regular visitor to the All Blacks' changing room after matches.

Mr Key and his son Max posed with players for dressing room photographs after this month's Bledisloe Cup match at Eden Park.