Taupo to Host 3 Rugby World Cup 2011 Teams
The Taupo community will get a great chance to share in the excitement of Rugby World Cup 2011 (RWC 2011) when it hosts South Africa, Ireland and Wales in September 2011.
“I am thrilled that Rugby fans in the King Country will get a chance to get behind this exciting Tournament and I know they will give the teams tremendous support,” said Rugby New Zealand 2011 Ltd (RNZ 2011) CEO Martin Snedden.
“The King Country has a strong Rugby tradition and produced many fine All Blacks such as Colin Meads so it’s wonderful that we can take three great teams to a region where Rugby passions run deep.
“I am pleased we can also offer the teams world class training facilities at Owen Delany Park so I am sure Taupo will be a superb host centre. It is well used to catering for tourists from around the world and has great plans in place to ensure its community can celebrate this Rugby experience of a lifetime.
“It’s a wonderful opportunity for everyone. The teams will get a chance to enjoy the rich culture and scenery of Taupo and the community will be able to showcase its hospitality and attractions to the world.
“We have said all along that we wanted as many communities as reasonably possible to get a first hand taste of this exciting Tournament. Today’s announcement is a really important component in bringing to life New Zealand’s Stadium of Four Million.
“Today we are also announcing that teams will use a total of 47 training grounds across the country for the duration of RWC 2011. This mixture of Rugby club, school and public training facilities will help many communities get even closer to Rugby’s showpiece Tournament as well as giving teams an outstanding platform for their preparations.
“What is really fantastic is that teams and fans can experience our passion for the Game in Rugby’s grassroots where our traditions are strongest.
“For example, Tonga and Samoa will train at one of the oldest clubs in the country, the Ponsonby Rugby Club. Ponsonby boasts an honours board stacked with All Blacks such as Bryan Williams, Andy Haden, Joe Stanley and Carlos Spencer as well as first class facilities at its Western Springs ground.
“Teams will also train at several schools which have a proud tradition of Rugby such as Southland Boy’s High, Christ’s College, New Plymouth Boy’s High and Rotorua Boy’s High.
“I am confident that all of the hosting communities will take advantage of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and give teams and fans a friendly welcome, great service and a Kiwi experience they will treasure forever,” concluded Martin Snedden".
