Christchurch will not be hosting any Rugby World Cup Games.
Had it been safe and practical to hold the games at Jade Stadium as scheduled it would have been a symbol that the city was up and running again.
But earthquake damage not only to the stadium building and field, but also the city’s infrastructure and buildings are too great to cope with the tens of thousands of people the games would have attracted.
The quarter finals are going to Auckland but RWC Minister Murray McCully said it is hoped pool games will stay in the South Island.
Dunedin was keen to host a quarter final but doesn’t have enough accommodation. The city was often full for big events, the new stadium will increase demand and also provide an opportunity for those willing and able to increase supply.
Homepaddock 
At the news conference to announce the bad news, Gerry Brownlee, all puckered and forlorn, looked as though he’d just swallowed Nick Smith.
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Apparently an inevitable decision unfortunately but that won’t stop some haters and wreckers pour a little more glee on Christchurch’s misfortune as they rub our noses in the disaster to score cheap political points. Mr Mallard who was at the very center of the disaster when O’Niel stole our part of the joint bid has had a go.
But the inane comment above was another witty little bit of humour from the shining whit from Riverton wasn’t it, silly me.
ROTFLMTO again, such welcome light relief,not!
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All of New Zealand is disappointed by this but it would have taken a miracle to have achieved it.
But looking at what is happening in Japan puts a whole new perspective on things and this loss is easier to bare than the human losses both in Christchurch and Japan
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As I posted at Whale’s Goof seems to think this was a government decision. His statement beautifully defines his idiotic thinking that governments do/ought run everything. Goof: The IRB is engaged in private enterprise this is not a government affair.
Grave is right: Where was on earth was Mallard in terms of accountability when the Oz administration commandeered the 2003 WRC?
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Ah yes; Trevor Mallard. Who can forget his refernce to a Heineken bottle.
And Rob; you keep making snide remarks about Brownlee. Were you aware that his home was destroyed in the 4 September ‘quake? It’s not something that he has made capital of, but he, as much as anyone, knows how devastating displacement is.
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I didn’t know that Brownlee had been displaced. It makes my call for Key to send him to Hawaii to soak up some rays all the more poignant Inv2.
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