Statement From Scottish Rugby – Rwc 2011 Decision

Rugby World Cup 2011 (RWC 2011) Tournament partners have today reluctantly decided that Christchurch will be unable to host the seven matches scheduled to be played at Stadium Christchurch. All matches, including Scotland’s third Pool B match against Argentina (due to be played on Sunday 25 September) and two quarter-finals (which each feature the winner and runner-up of Pool B) will be rescheduled to other venues in New Zealand. Contingency planning is at an advanced stage, but the process of allocation of matches is complex with many factors to consider, including accommodation, transport and broadcast logistics. Rugby World Cup 2011 (RWC 2011) Tournament partners have today reluctantly decided that Christchurch will be unable to host the seven matches scheduled to be played at Stadium Christchurch. All matches, including Scotland’s third Pool B match against Argentina (due to be played on Sunday 25 September) and two quarter-finals (which each feature the winner and runner-up of Pool B) will be rescheduled to other venues in New Zealand. Contingency planning is at an advanced stage, but the process of allocation of matches is complex with many factors to consider, including accommodation, transport and broadcast logistics. Ticket purchasers for all Christchurch matches will be offered the option of a refund or the opportunity to secure tickets to the relevant reallocated matches.  Scottish Rugby chief executive, Gordon McKie, said: “The thoughts of the entire Scottish rugby community are with the people of Christchurch and everyone affected by the recent disaster as the nation begins to rebuild a city which has its heart and history steeped in rugby tradition. “We believe that the right decision for the tournament has been made and will continue to liaise with the International Rugby Board (IRB) and the tournament organisers who will announce details of Scotland’s match-day and tour schedule in the coming weeks.” Scotland head coach, Andy Robinson, said: “This is clearly a difficult time for the people of Christchurch and Canterbury. “We will await the announcement of the rescheduled venue for our third Pool game, against Argentina, but we are sure that wherever the game is staged the Scotland team and supporters will be given a traditionally warm New Zealand greeting.” RNZ 2011 CEO Martin Snedden, explained: “Eden Park was the only logical alternative to stage two of the tournament’s premier matches given the ground capacity and visitor accommodation demands associated with these quarter-final matches. “We are working hard to ensure as many pool matches as reasonably possible remain in the South Island. A key consideration in all of this is to reschedule matches in a way that minimises the impact on other matches and therefore causes the least disruption to existing arrangements for teams and travelling. “We appreciate this is a time of great uncertainty for fans which is why we are trying to resolve all issues as quickly as possible.” The decision to move the matches was unanimously supported by tournament owners the International Rugby Board (IRB), the New Zealand Government, the New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) and Tournament organiser Rugby New Zealand 2011 (RNZ 2011) and follows a detailed review of reports assessing damage to key tournament facilities and infrastructure caused by the devastating 6.3 magnitude earthquake that struck the city in February. Advice from stadium operator ‘Vbase’ was that it could not provide an absolute assurance that all necessary remedial work could be completed in time for RWC 2011. IRB Chairman Bernard Lapasset travelled to Christchurch for today’s announcement. He said: “”This has been a hard decision for all involved, given the place of Canterbury in New Zealand Rugby and the tremendous enthusiasm and support that the people of Christchurch have displayed for RWC 2011. “The thoughts of the global Rugby family continue to be with the people of Christchurch and everyone affected as they focus on the city’s rebuilding process and repair of key public services and facilities.” Vbase has indicated that the repair timeframes are so tight there would be no leeway for work delays or for any risks. This prevents Vbase giving assurances that it can meet its RWC 2011 obligations. Risks identified by Vbase are: ongoing investigation might reveal the need for further work on structures and the playing surface, the complexity of a work programme that includes superficial and structural repairs and full replacement of the playing surface, availability of resources (labour, material and equipment) and timeliness of securing consents and the impact of aftershocks on the work programme. RNZ 2011 Chairman Brian Roche, said: “We know Cantabrians are passionate about rugby and we know that many wanted the matches to remain as a way to unite and heal their shattered city. “However, we needed to weigh up the risks of continuing with matches in Christchurch with just 25 weeks to kick-off to the world’s third largest sporting event. Sadly, we collectively agreed the risks were too great. The timeframes for repairs were too tight, the uncertainty too much.”