Two years to go-RWC 2011

IRb.COM - Wednesday, September 09, 2009 12:40 PM

WITH two years to go until Rugby World Cup 2011 kicks off in New Zealand,confidence is high that the world’s showpiece Rugby tournament willbe a success, creating a lasting legacy both for New Zealand and thecontinued global development of Rugby.

Aside from the smooth running of the global sporting spectacle, the Rugby New Zealand 2011 Limited organising body and tournament owners Rugby World Cup Limited are working hard to deliver a Rugby World Cup that will offer a winning blend of international class facilities for teams and travelling supporters, while retaining a uniquely New Zealand feel.

“The two years to go countdown is a significant operational landmark for what is one of the five largest sporting events in the world,” said Rugby World Cup Limited Chairman Bernard Lapasset.

"Theglobal Rugby community awaits a tournament that will provide the seventhchapter of the RWC story in a country that is totally immersed inRugby’s tradition and culture."

It will be an event not to bemissed, Kit McConnell, the Rugby World Cup Tournament Director and the IRB's senior executive based full-time in NewZealand in the build up to the 2011 tournament, believes that a strong partnership with the Rugby New Zealand 2011 organising body and the New Zealand Government has been pivotal to the excellent progress to date.

“RWCL is extremely confident that, as we reach this landmark,planning and preparation is on track and is ahead of previous Rugby WorldCups.

"As we reach the halfway point between tournaments, a clearly evident level of excitement and interest is building in New Zealand thanks to the excellent working relationship between RWCL and RNZ 2011 and the wonderful support of the New Zealand Government and ultimately the New Zealand public,” said McConnell.

“Of course the planning started long before the end of the last Rugby World Cup in France and some of the tournament’s important building blocks are now in place, including the pool allocation draw,match schedule and selection of venues.

"Looking ahead, we are well ontarget to meet the key deadlines and early next year the first phase of ticket sales is due to be launched."

“Operationally, of course, there is still much to do, but today represents another exciting milestone in planning for the tournament.

"The challenge now is to ensure that we remain focused and deliver what promises to be an outstanding Rugby World Cup in 2011,” added Lapasset.

For RNZ 2011 Ltd CEO Martin Snedden, the two years to go landmark providesthe appropriate opportunity to reflect on operational milestones achievedto date and outline the next steps for a tournament that will draw aglobal television audience of over four billion.

“The number one priority for RNZ 2011 is to ensure the organisation of a first class event that meets the needs of players, coaches,administrators and spectators,” said Snedden.

“We’ve been working very closely with Tournament owners RugbyWorld Cup Limited (RWCL), Host Regions across New Zealand as well as our Shareholders the New Zealand Rugby Union and the New Zealand Government,and are confident that the groundwork is in place for an outstandingTournament.”

The milestone is being celebrated in New Zealand with a special Governmentfunction in Wellington, hosted by the New Zealand Prime Minister John Keyand the event kicks off a week of planning meetings between RWCL, RNZ 2011and the New Zealand Government.

To celebrate the two years to go landmark a new Rugby World Cup website has been launched at www.rugbyworldcup.com. The site includes RWC 2011qualification information, news, audio and video clips and a destinationNew Zealand section to help fans navigate their path through theTournament and New Zealand.

A commemorative two years to go book has also been produced to mark the occasion.

The 64-page publication details operational, logistical and legacy progress to date and outlines the major milestones over the nexttwo years as the global Rugby community counts down to Rugby World Cup 2011.