Transport, drunk fans RWC issues

Photo / Thinkstock

Drunk rugby hooligans appear to pose more of a threat than Al Qaeda for the Rugby World Cup next year.

Police were planning for everything from a major terrorist attack to alcohol and transportation in the lead up to New Zealand's hosting of the World Cup from September next year, Deputy Commissioner Rob Pope told Parliament's law and order select committee today.

While the threat of a terrorist attack was low, police were capable of scaling up their response quickly if needed, he said.

"Some of the more difficult issues, I think that we all would understand, is around alcohol management."

Alcohol would be a factor before, after and during games as well as in the many fan zones planned around the country.

Transportation, particularly in Auckland, would also be an issue, Mr Pope said.

"(We want to) ensure that we play our part in a safe and, hopefully, very enjoyable tournament."

Police were well into their preparation and were planning in coordination with World Cup officials and international contacts, he said.

"We are actually well qualified to run major events, the difference with the rugby World Cup is that it's spread over some six weeks and 13 different geographical locations, sometimes with multiple games on the same day."

Asked by Labour MP Clayton Cosgrove if police could guarantee a New Zealand win, Mr Pope said: "We can all pray, Mr Cosgrove".

- NZPA