Rugby World Cup backing

The prominent businessman who masterminded Australia's successful bid for the 2000 Olympic Games wants his country to plug New Zealand's bid to host the World Rugby Cup in 2011.

Rod McGeoch used the Australia New Zealand Leadership Forum at the weekend to urge Australasian business leaders to make the bid an economic priority for the single market.

The bid faces stiff competition from South Africa and Japan. Bids must be submitted to the International Rugby Board by May 13.