Rugby World Cup worth over $1 billion

Wherever the 2011 Rugby World Cup final ends up being held, it could be worth more than a billion dollars to the economy.

A report commissioned by the organisers says the tournament will add about $500 million dollars to New Zealand's gross domestic product that year.

When the total amount of economic activity generated as a result of the cup is added in, the final total should top 1.1 billion.

The exact venue for the final is up in the air, after the government announced this week that it is looking at whether Auckland should build another stadium for the final, rather than upgrading Eden Park.

The IRB says it wants a decision on stadia for the 2011 World Cup by December.

NZRU chief executive Jock Hobbs has been briefing the IRB at a meeting in Canada. He has updated them on the Government's decision to consider building a new stadium on Auckland's waterfront, rather than upgrading Eden Park.

Hobbs says the IRB is comfortable with that, as long as a final decision is made by December.

- NEWSTALK ZB