High-profile NZers call for World Cup hosting

Peter Jackson

A host of high-profile Kiwis - including Peter Jackson, Sam Neill and Helen Clark - are among contenders to help spearhead New Zealand's bid to host the 2011 Rugby World Cup.

NZRU chief executive Chris Moller would not divulge exactly who would be helping front the bid, but confirmed New Zealand's presentation to the International Rugby Board in Dublin on November 17 would have a major element of surprise.

The NZRU are allowed five delegates when it makes its final presentation to the IRB. Moller said it was "likely" that the NZRU would use the maximum number of permitted personnel, stressing that the presence of high-profile individuals endorsing the bid could make the difference between winning and losing.

Moller said: "We want to make an impact when we get into the room on November 17."

It is understood the original bid document listed a range of prominent New Zealanders who could assist with the bid, including Clark, Jackson, Sarah Ulmer and Brian Lochore.

New Zealand, Japan and South Africa are all bidding for the 2011 tournament. All three countries will be given an hour to press their claims.

It is believed New Zealand's final presentation to try to win the co-hosting rights with Australia for the 2003 tournament was amateur and flawed. The need to sharpen up delivery prompted talk that multi-Oscar-winning Jackson may be used to create a high-tech video. Moller would not be drawn on the presentation, but said the NZRU would try to make its presentation as professional as possible. South Africa's bid will be spearheaded by former President Nelson Mandela and former Springbok captain Francois Piennaar. Japan will be using former Prime Minister Yoshiro Mori.

New Zealand is currently viewed as the rank outsider by Centrebet. Japan and South Africa are offering more commercially-driven proposals which have gained traction as the World Cup remains the only mechanism to fund the growth of the game around the globe.

New Zealand is promoting itself as the spiritual home of rugby and emphasising that the World Cup should be about the supporters and players.

- HERALD ON SUNDAY