Cup excitement growing, says RWC head
International Rugby Board Head of Rugby World Cup Kit McConnell has countered claims in a survey that a third of New Zealanders are not interested in the tournament.
The 38-year-old Massey University graduate says since the Bledisloe Cup test at Eden Park he has already noticed a growing excitement in the Cup.
Mr McConnell, who is the Rugby World Cup Tournament Director for the IRB, made the comments as he was filming an advert for the University’s promotional campaign “The engine of the new New Zealand”.
“I think New Zealanders have always been engaged with the tournament and the match on the weekend here at Eden Park added to a noticeable lift in the level of excitement,” he says.
“More and more people are focusing on how they will secure tickets and be a part of Rugby World Cup. That engagement and excitement will continue to build over the final month before the September 9 kick off. As the teams arrive here, as the 95,000 spectators from around the world arrive here in New Zealand I think that the whole country will be truly behind the tournament.”
Mr McConnell, who graduated from Massey with a first class honours Master of Business Studies (Management) in 1996, is tasked with making sure the tournament goes smoothly off the pitch.
His role involves making sure all stakeholders – including the IRB, Government and the New Zealand Rugby Union – are working together and he oversees the IRB’s operations at the tournament.
While completing his master’s, Mr McConnell secured a job with the International Olympic Committee at its Switzerland headquarters. He joined the IRB in 2002 and has also worked on the two previous Rugby World Cups – Australia in 2003 and France in 2007.
The former Auckland Grammar School student says it is important to get the tournament right for the future of major events in New Zealand. “It is a huge event, probably the biggest that New Zealand has ever hosted. Rugby World Cup showcases New Zealand on a global stage. It is also critically important for world Rugby by reaching that peak of exposure that comes once every four years, showcasing our sport and allowing us to drive investment from that back into the global game. The success of the tournament is vital for both rugby and New Zealand.”
He credits his studies on the Albany campus for giving him an understanding of the professional world of sports management and opening up the opportunities to work in the industry.
“It gave me a good base understanding of the industry itself and the importance of business and management practices in the world of sport. There is a clear link between the sporting side of the industry and the business and management side.”
Mr McConnell is the latest in a series of New Zealanders in high profile roles to star in “The engine of the new New Zealand” campaign, which showcases inspiring people and New Zealand’s emerging confidence and achievements on the global stage. The advert will be launched on Sunday.
Read more on Massey University’s Rugby World Cup website