Rugby World Cup: Q & A with Martin Snedden

Martin Snedden. File photo / Mark Mitchell

Martin Snedden has been answering fans' questions on the official Rugby World Cup account on Twitter.

Why did you choose to hold the opening ceremony on a Friday night?

To make best use of the first weekend. Opening ceremony + 8 games across the country Fri-Sun great opportunity.

What lessons should the IRB learn from NZ's staging of the World Cup?

Be prepared to go well beyond rugby to engage communities.

When will the next RWC in NZ be?

I reckon 24 years from now. In 2035.

Is there any possibility that for next RWCs, there'll be Plate, Bowl, Shield and Spoon category?

I think some sort of plate competition would be great.

Why were the pools not set up for an Aussie-NZ final?

If all had gone to seedings that would have been the case. There was nothing boring about last Sunday!

What is the legacy that RWC will leave?

Conclusive proof that this little country can hold a fantastic world-class event.

Your proudest moment. Or is it still to come?

Seeing the countrywide and worldwide reaction to the opening ceremony.

What has surprised you most about the RWC so far?

The fantastic crowd engagement at just about every game.

Do you think ticket pricing was fair?

It was a tight balancing act, but yes, I do.

How many people have now attended Cup matches?

We've sold over 1.35 million tickets.

Did you find it appropriate for a World Cup to have people sitting on a steep mud hill at Rotorua?

All feedback I've had from people at the Rotorua matches was great.

The opening ceremony was great. Will there be a closing ceremony?

The closing ceremony will be simple and focused on the handing over of the Webb Ellis Cup to the winners.

Are you satisfied with ticket sales? What would you have done differently?

Thrilled. By way of comparison, we've done 11 times the 2005 Lions tour, previously NZ's biggest-grossing event.

Who is your favourite All Black?

Conrad Smith.

Once the World Cup winds down, will you head back to cricket?

Not sure yet. No firm plans.

Have you ever seen the nation as united behind a sporting event or a team before? The delight is everywhere

Best I've ever been to. Fantastic engagement right across New Zealand.

Do you think it will be difficult for NZ to host another event in the future?

We've shown we have something unique to bring to the World Cup that other hosts with greater revenue can't replicate.