Five World Cup Teams Heading to Taranaki

The Rugby World Cup 2011 is coming to Taranaki!

Thursday RNZ 2011 announced that Stadium Taranaki would host three pool matches: Ireland vs Americas 2, Europe 2 vs Americas 2, and Wales vs Africa 1.

“It’s a great result for Taranaki and for rugby in the region, and I congratulate the hardworking team that has made it possible: The TRFU, Venture Taranaki, Sport Taranaki and the staff at the region’s three district councils,” says Mayor Peter Tennent.

“That ‘Team Taranaki’ approach has proved invaluable; as has our track record with Super 14 matches and last year’s All Blacks test which showed we have a boomer of a venue with expert operations staff and a fantastically supportive public.

“With three matches at Stadium Taranaki the fans, players, administrators and media will have a ripper of a time here – and the long-term benefits will be huge.”

Currently the USA and Canada are competing for the Americas 1 slot in the RWC, with the loser of this tournament playing off against South American teams for the Americas 2 berth.

At the last Rugby World Cup the African team was Namibia, however African’s qualifying tournament for the 2011 cup has yet to be completed.

The teams who are in the running for the Europe 2 berth are Russia, Georgia, Romania, Portugal and Spain.

“It is possible that we could end up with an intriguing face-off between Russia and the United States at Stadium Taranaki,” says NPDC Manager Rugby World Cup Paul Nisbet.

Taranaki Rugby Football Union Chief Executive Mark Robinson expects the entire region will support and benefit from the matches.

“TRFU also has to maximise the opportunity this presents to our game in the province and ensure this tournament leaves a lasting impression on everyone associated with rugby,” he says.

“As a region we need to ensure our place is vibrant, welcoming and memorable for anyone that comes here. Whilst it is a celebration of rugby, the tournament is also a festival that everyone can be involved in.

“Rugby is merely the vehicle for this celebration and we’re delighted it gives us an opportunity to promote and foster rugby during this period.”

Venture Taranaki Chief Executive Stuart Trundle expects the economic benefits to continue for years to come.

“RWC 2011 will be the biggest sporting event ever to hit New Zealand,” he says.

“Taranaki needs to be ready to leverage off this event to make sure both Taranaki residents and visitors to the region get the most out of it.

“We’re not just talking about visitors to the region putting money in local tills – although that will be an immediate impact.

“The Rugby World Cup is a unique opportunity to showcase Taranaki on the world stage. The scale of the event will give significant long-term exposure to our region, attracting visitors and helping to convince families looking to relocate here.

“Taranaki is a vibrant and innovative region. The success of our bid to attract these games reflects that. It is now up to the Taranaki people to ensure the Rugby World Cup in Taranaki is an event ‘truly like no other’,” says Mr Trundle.

In its report to the International Rugby Board in September last year, Deloitte said the host city or country of the Rugby World Cup would “enjoy a significant boost” to its profile as the tournament can be used as a global advertising campaign.

While the direct economic impact to the host country could be between 200 and 800 million pounds, depending on the location of the world cup, the indirect economic “ripple effect” could be up to three times as much.

The report added that major events can encourage increased participation in rugby in the host country which, over the medium to long term, could deliver significant benefits in terms of a healthier population and even reduced health spending.

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