Taupo possible location for Rugby World Cup

Taupo may host two teams during the 2011 Rugby World Cup if a bid made to the event promoters is successful.

A group of regional stakeholders has been formed to coordinate the Taupo district’s application to Rugby New Zealand 2011 Ltd – the company responsible for the planning, preparations and delivery of the international event which will run from 9 September to 23 October 2011.

Among the stakeholders are Mayor Rick Cooper, Deputy Mayor Christine McElwee, Councillor Mich’eal Downard, Councillor Doreen Blyth and representatives from local rugby and tourism organisations.

The District’s application has to include information on training venues and facilities, accommodation, regional infrastructure, tourism, volunteer support, environmental sustainability and other district events.

Councillor Mich’eal Downard says the quality of local facilities such Owen Delany Park, Crown Park, Taupo Events Centre and AC Baths will add strength to the District’s application. He also says the District is positioned well geographically for the event in which teams will be divided into northern, central, southern and national pools. “Taupo is on the border of the Northern Pool and the Central Pool which means we could easily cater to teams from either group.”

The stakeholders group proposes showing live coverage of the event on giant screens at two public viewing areas, one of which would be family orientated.

The application is due for submission by 31 October 2008 with a decision made by Rugby New Zealand 2011 Ltd in June 2009.