The England and Australian Rugby World Cup teams will include Christchurch in their tournament itineraries next month.
England team manager Martin Johnson and several team members will spend time in the city on September 7 ahead of their opening match against Argentina in Dunedin on September 10.
Australia team members will travel from Hanmer Springs on September 28 to undertake a variety of community activities prior to flying to Nelson for their match against Russia.
“Both teams were due to play matches in Christchurch, but the devastating earthquake of February 22 of course changed those plans so we are grateful that the teams are able to do their bit to raise the spirits of the city,†said RNZ 2011 CEO Martin Snedden.
The New Zealand team has already announced plans to base themselves in Christchurch from September 17 to 20 ahead of their pool match against France at Eden Park on September 24.
