Today it was confirmed by Rugby World Cup 2011 Tournament partners that games planned for Christchurch would be relocated. This includes all pool fixtures and two quarter finals matches which will be held in Auckland on the original date.

International rugby fans following Australia, England, Scotland, Russia, Italy and Georgia teams at the Rugby World Cup 2011 with plans which included Christchurch City, and those with quarter final tickets, now have certainty where quarter final games will be played. Visitors to Auckland for the quarters can be assured of a very warm welcome as the city will be already gearing up for semi and finals weekends.

It was also announced that a decision about where the five pool matches will now be played will be taken jointly by the Tournament’s partners before the end of March.

Tourism New Zealand chief executive, Kevin Bowler says fans can be confident that all areas of New Zealand will be ready to welcome fans.

“Obviously it’s very disappointing for Christchurch that the games will no longer be held in the city. Canterbury and the rest of the South Island will continue to deliver rugby followers a rich array of great experiences, activities, adventure, festivities – and the rugby. I’m urging all visitors to New Zealand for Rugby World Cup 2011 not to leave without visiting the South Island.”