Snedden: I think we can do it again...in 2035'

Martin Snedden. Photo / Richard Robinson

Martin Snedden believes the country can host the Rugby World Cup again, floating 2035 as the year the tournament could well return.

"I think we can do it again. We could host in 2035. I'll probably be dead by then, but I'm strongly of the view, and I say this on the basis of finishing it off properly on Sunday night, I think the international rugby world will welcome the opportunity to come back to New Zealand," the chief executive of Rugby New Zealand 2011 Ltd said.

"They will recognise the unique flavour that only this country can bring to that tournament ...

"It has been terrific really. Subject to the fact we have got two games to deliver, we have achieved something pretty remarkable ... And if the All Blacks come through, then it is the icing on the cake."

Asked what most New Zealanders would consider the highlight - either hosting the event or the All Blacks at least reaching the final - Snedden said the whole experience had won people over.

"I think the tournament is much bigger. I think this has shown and demonstrated to New Zealanders that hosting the event is much bigger than winning it. They have loved this event ..."

Snedden (52) said the success of the tournament was brought about by careful planning.

"We have been very clear in what we were wanting to achieve. It was about the stadium of four million hosts.

"I'm absolutely delighted the way New Zealand has risen to the occasion ..." Snedden's contract runs until December 23.

"I don't have any firm plans at the moment. I want to stay in sport."

As for the final on Sunday, he was picking a victory for the home team.

OTAGO DAILY TIMES