Two a penny

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Wgtn eyes lucrative World Cup pool games

Saturday, 01 November 2008

Wellington has its eyes on hosting British and Irish rugby teams for 2011 Rugby World Cup pool games to cash in on their lucrative fan base.
Afterits successful bid to host two quarterfinals, Wellington submitted yesterday its proposal to host up to five pool games and several teams.
"They normally bring a lot of fans with them," Wellington City Council events manager John Dawson said.
It is hoped one of those games will involve the All Blacks, while teams that have a high level of support – England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales – are second on the list.
Mr Dawson would not say how much the bid would cost.
The bid was a joint effort between the region's nine local authorities, the Wellington Regional Stadium Trust, Wellington and Wairarapa rugby unions and local tourism agencies.
Though matches would be played at Westpac Stadium, it was hoped teams would be hosted and train at other venues throughout the region, including Wairarapa. The games are expected to add about $21 million to the Wellington regional economy.
Wellington Mayor Kerry Prendergast said it had been demonstrated in the past that the region was able to host successful major international events. .
"We have a number of exciting plans for Rugby World Cup 2011."