May 30 (Reuters) – The organisers of last year’s rugby World
Cup in New Zealand reported a final loss of NZ$31.3 million
($23.89 million) on Wednesday, some 20 percent less than had
been forecast.
Rugby New Zealand 2011, a joint venture between the New
Zealand government and the New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU), had
expected losses closer to NZ$40 million
In the run-up to the World Cup, organisers had to contend
with the impact of the global financial crisis as well as the
deadly Christchurch earthquake, which forced the switching of
seven matches less than six months before the event.
The NZRU will cover NZ$10 million of the loss with the
balance coming from the public purse.
World Cup minister Murray McCully said the country would,
however, continue to benefit economically from successfully
hosting rugby’s showpiece event for years to come.
“We welcomed 133,000 visitors to our shores and we were
superb hosts for a great six-week celebration,” he said in a
statement.
“The huge television audiences and extensive media coverage
generated by the tournament boosted our international profile.
“We also forged valuable new business partnerships and showed
the world we are a smart and innovative economy capable of
delivering major global events.
“We made the most of being in the world’s spotlight, so this
result really is the icing on the cake.”
New Zealand delighted their home fans by beating France in
the final to win the tournament which will next be held in
England in 2015, while Japan will be Asia’s first hosts four
years later.
($1 = NZ$1.3104)
(Reporting by Nick Mulvenney, Editing by John O’Brien)
© Thomson Reuters 2012 All rights reserved
