NZ to bid for 2011 Rugby World Cup

New Zealand will lodge a bid to host the 2011 Rugby World Cup, Minister for Sport Trevor Mallard said today.

The announcement made jointly with New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) chairman Jock Hobbs followed a feasibility study .

"If the bid is successful, the Government and NZRU will make cash contributions towards costs of $20 million and $10 million respectively," Mr Mallard said in a statement.

The study had highlighted "significant benefits" of staging the cup, adding an estimated $408 million to the economy and tax revenue of more than $90 million.

The study was conducted by the Joint Bid Office, a body set up by government agency Sport and Recreation New Zealand (Sparc) and the NZRU early last month to look at the issue.

The bid document will be lodged with the International Rugby Board (IRB) in Dublin later this week.

The IRB council was expected to make a decision on the venue for the 2011 tournament at its November board meeting.

New Zealand lost its bid to co-host the last world cup, held exclusively in Australia, because problems with sponsorship and stadiums could not be resolved to the IRB's satisfaction.

Mr Mallard said bidding for the tournament was "the right thing to do".

"If we are successful, this tournament is as much about the regions as the cities.

"Forty-eight games will be played throughout the tournament, with many in provincial New Zealand," he said.

"The opportunity to showcase not only the All Blacks but our country and our dedication to the game can not be underestimated."

- NZPA