Southern region scores 5 out of 6

The Southern region’s 2011 Rugby World Cup bid, which has scored five out of six games, was a great opportunity for the whole area, Queenstown Lakes District Council Mayor Clive Geddes said.

Ian Farrant of Dunedin headed up the regional bid together with Southland’s Stuart Heal and Mr Geddes.

World Cup head Martin Snedden announced today that Dunedin would host three games and Invercargill two.

“We are naturally delighted with the news. There is only one disappointment and that is the failure of the sixth game bid, which would have seen a match held in Queenstown but this district will reap other rewards,” Mr Geddes said.

There was no doubt in his mind that the Queenstown Lakes District would see enormous economic benefits from the series and the proximity of the five Southern games.

“We would expect to host at least one top team in our district and we know from experience the district will be a big drawcard for supporters,” Mr Geddes said.

The Queenstown Events Centre, together with the new Queenstown Aquatic Centre was ideally placed to host any of the world’s top teams and the district had proved a favourite destination with Lions supporters, three years ago.

“As a community I am confident we will fully support both Dunedin and Invercargill and work together to create opportunities for the Queenstown Lakes District,’ Mr Geddes said.