No RWC games for Christchurch

Murray McCully announced:

Rugby World Cup Minister, Murray McCully, says the government and other stakeholders have agreed the Christchurch Rugby World Cup matches will be moved out of the city due to unacceptable risks associated with maintaining the current programme.

“Today’s decision is made with regret and clearly is a blow to the people of Canterbury, who rightly pride themselves on being the home of New Zealand’s pre-eminent Super Rugby and NPC teams.”

“But we simply have to acknowledge that collective uncertainties associated with the planned hosting of games in Christchurch are overwhelming,” said Mr McCully.

The Minister says while the stadium structures can be fixed they can only be fixed in time if normal procurement processes are by-passed, placing insurance cover at risk. There is also a risk further testing will reveal other problems causing additional delays.

“Complete replacement of the turf at AMI Stadium is required. We have been advised that would be a tightly managed six month long project to replace it and that the turf was uninsured. The Rugby World Cup games commence in six months from last Wednesday. Any further damage to drainage under the turf places that timetable at risk,” said Mr McCully.

Damn. Looks like it was the only possible call.

Some upside though:

“We are acutely aware that without some initiative from the government AMI Stadium is unlikely to be in use for the 2012 season, due to the extensive damage to the uninsured turf,” said Mr McCully.

“I am therefore pleased to announce that the government will grant $4.1 million to allow the turf repair work to commence immediately, in order for AMI Stadium to be ready for the full NPC and Super Rugby in 2012.”

“The stadium is an important sport and recreation asset and revenue earner for the region, and I am pleased that we can assist to ensure it is repaired as quickly as possible,” he said.

And for RWC rugby fans in Christchurch:

The Minister says there is also recognition that Christchurch-based fans will be extremely disappointed that they can’t watch any matches in their home town. Some have purchased tickets to games expecting them to be at AMI stadium.

“With today’s confirmation that the quarter finals will be moved to Auckland we have started work to develop a special travel package which will allow those who have already purchased tickets to the quarter finals to travel to Auckland on a concessional basis. We hope to have details finalised over the next few days,” said Mr McCully.

Just make sure the concessional travel package is return, not one way 🙂