NZ's successful World Cup bid

DUBLIN - A summary of New Zealand's promises as presented in its bid to the International Rugby Board council today to host the 2011 World Cup is below.

New Zealand won the IRB's backing over Japan and South Africa today.

NEW ZEALAND'S PROMISES TO THE IRB

A tournament for players

An environment where players can perform at their very best
Rugby facilities that are excellent and close at hand
A Tournament based on traditional rugby values

A tournament for visiting fans

A country that will be welcoming and safe
A tournament for fans at home
Superb broadcasting coverage

A commercially successful tournament

Unique partnership between rugby and the Government
Tournament fee guaranteed
Conservative budget
Most commercially successful RWC ever
Tournament clean stadia requirements met

A showcase event

A Tournament that runs smoothly and seamlessly
A Tournament that will be media-friendly
Stable country and national union

A tournament for rugby everywhere

We are the safe option
We are worthy guardians of rugby's jewel in the crown
Global rugby legacy

KEY TOURNAMENT DETAILS

48 matches
11 potential venues
Prime knockout matches at an expanded Eden Park

OUR GUARANTEE – IRB TOURNAMENT FEE

New Zealand has guaranteed the IRB Tournament Fee
Underpinned by a partnership with New Zealand Government
Joint funding commitment from both partners
Robust budget

BROADCASTING OPPORTUNITY

Utilises the world's best rugby broadcasters - wealth of talent and experience
Superb coverage guaranteed
Full stadia throughout the Tournament
Link between teams and fans at home
Popularity of breakfast TV in Europe proven through RWC 2003 in Australia & 2005 Lions tour in New Zealand

TOURNAMENT TIMING

Initial proposed timing - September/October
New Zealand offered IRB total flexibility on tournament timing
Lions Tour proved June/July is a perfectly acceptable time to run a Tournament in New Zealand

INFRASTRUCTURE

Tourism is New Zealand's largest earner of foreign exchange
New Zealand is ranked globally as a prime tourist destination
7 per cent annual growth of visitors to New Zealand
In the last five years accommodation availability in Auckland has increased by 6,000 beds to a total of 36,000
Even without RWC 2011 a further 10,000 beds are projected to become available over the next five years
Full spectrum of accommodation and travel options from 5 and 6 star through to budget
Unparallelled visitor experiences available

STADIA CLEAN OF NON-RWC ADVERTISING

Recognise this was an issue in 2003
New Zealand has committed to meet the tournament clean stadia requirements

VENUES

Range of venues from large to mid-sized venues – all dedicated rugby venues
Recognised by players, officials, broadcasters and media as superb rugby venues during 2005 Lions Series
Expansion and upgrade of some venues possible – enhancement on Bid commitment.

EDEN PARK

Bid lodged with guaranteed capacity of 53,000 for Eden Park
New Zealand Bid includes proposal to expand to 60,000 capacity
This will provide:
- Increased capacity – additional 7,000 seats
- Better facilities for players, officials, media and VIPs
Commitment to consult with Eden Park Neighbours' Association

- HERALD ONLINE STAFF