Buy RWC tickets only from official sources

Rugby World Cup 2011 Organisers are reminding fans wishing to purchase tickets to the final stages of the Tournament to ensure they buy from official sources or risk losing out.

Rugby World Cup 2011 is on track to be one of the great Rugby tournaments, bringing together New Zealanders and the global Rugby community for a celebration of world class Rugby and New Zealand’s rich culture and heritage.

The message from Organisers to fans is clear – be vigilant, go official and do not purchase tickets from unofficial ticketing websites, unauthorised travel and hospitality agents or any email scams that falsely claim to be a part of a Rugby World Cup 2011 lottery, prize draw or competition.

A Tournament spokesperson said: “Our message to supporters is clear. Don’t let this opportunity to experience a unique and magnificent Rugby World Cup pass you by. Get your tickets, experience the atmosphere and great Rugby, but purchase from official sources or you will be disappointed.”

“Fans buying tickets though unauthorised sources may not receive their ticket or may be turned away at the venue or not get the seat they have ordered. For information on official suppliers please visit www.rugbyworldcup.com.”

Fans looking to buy tickets for the final stages of Rugby World Cup 2011 should:

• Purchase through the official website at rugbyworldcup.com/tickets or one of the official sales channels listed on the website.

• Be aware that, if they buy from an unauthorised seller then they are likely to be let down and tickets may not arrive, may not be genuine or may be cancelled.

Both the Rugby World Cup 2011 Ticket Terms and Conditions and New Zealand’s Major Events Management Act prohibit tickets being sold above their original sale price. Any Rugby World Cup 2011 tickets sold or transferred above face value or packaged with unauthorised travel or hospitality can be cancelled by the event organiser. This includes any tickets purchased via social media or online auction sites.

Organisers have already cancelled a number of tickets which were purchased above face value from sellers on eBay and unofficial ticketing websites such as worldcup2011.com by both fans in New Zealand and overseas travellers.