Reports from New Zealand say that New Zealand’s Rugby World Cup plans may be in trouble as it appears that NZ the Government may be unwilling to pay the funds required to upgrade the tournament’s cornerstone stadium at Eden Park.
With the National Party saying that time for decision making for the Government relating to available seating options was running out, the ongoing debate could make the International Rugby Board reconsider New Zealand rights to host the event.
With New Zealand having lost the rights to hold Rugby World Cup once before, with Australia gaining all the events, the loss of the event would be a disaster for New Zealand.
Rugby World Cup Minister Trevor Mallard told media in New Zealand that it was speculation that the Government had decided on a temporary seating plan for the World Cup final, with no decision having been made and that it was yet to be discussed by the Cabinet.
Nevertheless, it is understood that the Government is in favour of the less costly option of temporary seating, rather than Eden Park’s 60,000 seat stadium option, which requires a $225 million contribution from the Government.
Mr Mallard has also said that the NZ government is committed to providing a stadium of the quality promised in the bid which won New Zealand the tournament’s hosting rights.
Report by The Mole
