Organisers feared losing Rugby World Cup

Rugby World Cup organisers feared losing the 2011 event as a result of uncertainty over an Auckland venue at the end of last year.

With uncertainty surrounding the redevelopment of Eden Park, and a proposal re-emerging from the Auckland Regional Council to upgrade the Mount Smart (formerly Ericsson) Stadium, Rugby New Zealand 2011 Chief Executive Martin Snedden warned the Government of the risk.

In a letter to Rugby World Cup Minister Clayton Cosgrove on 14th December 2007, Snedden stated "Any delay to the Eden Park redevelopment project at this critical, and very late, stage will only serve to call into question our ability to host the event and potentially put that privilege at serious risk.

"Any reopening of the debate on alternative venues at this point would severely damage New Zealand's credibility in both the eyes of the IRB (International Rugby Board) and the rugby world."

Minister Cosgrove reacted to Snedden's concerns by rejecting the Mt Smart proposal.

New Zealand lost sub-hosting rights to the 2003 Rugby World Cup after failing to guarantee advertising-free stadiums with Australia going on to host the event on its own.