Helen Clark to lead Rugby World Cup bid team

Prime Minister Helen Clark will lend her weight to New Zealand's bid to host the 2011 Rugby World Cup.

Miss Clark will join All Blacks legend Colin Meads, a member of the 2005 All Blacks touring party and New Zealand Rugby Union chairman Jock Hobbs and chief executive Chris Moller to deliver the union's final push to the International Rugby Board (IRB) Council in Dublin on November 17.

"We are a proud, rugby-playing nation. New Zealanders' passion for the game and our ability to host a safe and successful World Cup tournament make it imperative that we spare no effort in our final pitch," Miss Clark said.

"As well as being a magnificent sporting spectacle, I am mindful of the enormous economic benefits it would deliver. I look forward to being part of the presentation on 17 November."

Hobbs said Miss Clark's presence would emphasise the strong commitment made by the New Zealand Government to the requirements of hosting Rugby World Cup 2011, and the collective support and enthusiasm of New Zealanders for the game of rugby and for the tournament.

"The support from the New Zealand Government has been instrumental in getting New Zealand's bid to this stage; and to providing a level of assurance to the IRB that we can meet all of the demands that a tournament of this standing requires," Mr Hobbs said.

The All Black who will help present the bid will be named after the test against Ireland on November 12.

New Zealand is up against South Africa and Japan, with the NZRU hoping Miss Clark's clout will swing what is expected to be a close vote.

To get to Dublin, Miss Clark will have to briefly leave the 21-member Asia Pacific Economic Co-operation summit in Korea, which coincides with the IRB meeting.

- NZPA