PM backs Commonwealth bid 'option'

John Key sings the national anthem while standing in line with the All Blacks in Hamilton. He's suggested NZ would do a good job of hosting the Commonwealth Games - if NZ bids for it. Photo / supplied

The Rugby World Cup has proven New Zealand could host a "world class" Commonwealth Games, if the country chose to bid for the event in the future, John Key says.

The Prime Minister's comments come after Rugby World Cup Minister Murray McCully said New Zealand could host the World Cup again in the future.

It has frequently been said this year's tournament would be the country's last opportunity to host the event, however Mr McCully told the Sunday Star Times New Zealand could have "another shot".

"I think New Zealanders have demonstrated we are up for this competition - that we can handle large numbers - so I hope one of the things we do after this tournament is to give ourselves the confidence to have another shot," he told the paper.

Mr Key this morning backed that view.

"We're doing a marvellous job as a country of hosting the Rugby World Cup, proving that this is truly is the stadium of four million people and ... we can host these very large events," he told Newstalk ZB.

While he said there were no plans in the pipeline to bid for another World Cup or a Commonwealth Games, "there are always options available for New Zealand".

"I think what the Rugby World Cup is proving is that if we did bid for a Commonwealth Games we could produce a very good world class and thoroughly enjoyable event."

New Zealand last held the Commonwealth Games in 1990 in Auckland.