2011 World Cup time bracket to be discussed this week

The contentious issue of which time bracket would best suit the 2011 World Cup rugby tournament will be discussed with International Rugby Board (IRB) representatives in New Zealand this week.

An IRB audit team is in Wellington today and will scrutinise New Zealand's bid to host the tournament.

Australia, Japan and South Africa are also chasing hosting rights and questions have been raised over whether a bid catering to the Northern Hemisphere's rugby schedule would be advantageous.

New Zealand Rugby Union chairman Jock Hobbs said today New Zealand was looking towards a September/October fixture, but that would be discussed with the IRB.

He said the IRB was trying to find solutions to the issue of revenue losses in other countries caused by the timing of the tournament.

New Zealand's weather later in the year would be one of the advantages of starting it in September.

"Whenever it is held it does cause issues around the international fixture list," Hobbs told National Radio.

Meanwhile, Lions coach Clive Woodward has endorsed New Zealand as a potential host following his team's nation-wide tour.

"In terms of the way the games have been put on and the way we've been looked after... no complaints at all, it has been first class," Woodward said.

Hobbs said the success of the Lions tour would work in New Zealand's favour.

The IRB decision on hosting the World Cup is expected in November.

- NZPA