No RWC Games for New Zealand
The New Zealand Rugby Football Union said it had done everything in its power to meet Rugby World Cup Ltd’s demands in order for it (NZRFU) to continue as Sub-Hosts of RWC 2003.
However, despite those claims, it now appears that the games in the 2003 RWC will take place solely in Australia.
A statement from IRB read, ‘As a result of the New Zealand Rugby Football Union’s decision not to sign the Sub-Host Union Agreement with the Australian Rugby Union for Rugby World Cup 2003, and in line with the process laid down by RWC, the ARU has been invited to submit alternative proposals for the staging of the Tournament.’
‘ RWC has reluctantly been forced into this action by the NZRFU’s failure to conform to or to accept its obligations, and having regard to the proximity of the Tournament has had no alternative but to take the necessary steps to move forward as quickly as possible.’
‘ RWC regrets the NZRFU’s stance, particularly in view of the facts that,
The Sub-Host Union Agreement, its obligations and rights, exactly mirror those of the Host Union Agreement which has been signed by Australia.The NZRFU content of the Host Union bid, presented in 1998, was accepted on the basis that New Zealand could provide the stadium facilities it now claims it cannot deliver.The NZRFU has been aware of the detail of the draft Host Union Agreement for several months and has had a copy of the executed Agreement since November 2001.’