"Celebrating 30 Years of the Hong Kong Sevens"

IRB Decision to award New Zealand the Rugby World Cup 2011 disappoints Hong Kong rugby

[18 th November, 2005] Whilst congratulating New Zealand on their winning of the Rugby World Cup hosting rights, the Hong Kong Rugby Football Union (HKRFU) believes that the International Rugby Board (IRB) has missed a golden opportunity to globalise the Rugby World Cup, and push the growth of Rugby in Asia .

A vote was undertaken by members of the IRB in Dublin yesterday on the host country for the IRB Rugby World Cup 2011. Disappointingly the IRB council voted to award the event to New Zealand . The bid by Japan had made it through the first round of voting, where South Africa was eliminated, but was beaten by New Zealand in the second round.

"There has been much talk about the need for Rugby to expand beyond the traditional borders and move forward globally, by selecting Japan the IRB would have confirmed that they are serious about making rugby a world game and helping the second and third tier countries," said HKRFU Executive Director, Allan Payne.

"The Japan Rugby Football Union put forward a strong case that hosting the Rugby World Cup in Asia would pave the way for globalisation of the sport, and provide the catalyst for growth in Asia. The potential was available for Rugby to gain a foothold in Asia, not only providing a tremendous boost regionally, but also amongst other second-tier nations. The result of this decision is very disappointing for Rugby in Asia and the smaller nations. A golden opportunity has been lost," added Mr. Payne.

The HKRFU will continue their efforts to promote rugby in Hong Kong and Asia, with the main vehicle being the Cathay Pacific / Credit Suisse Hong Kong Sevens 2006. Preparations for next year's event are well under way, and a Sevens Festival will be held at the Hong Kong Stadium on December 10th to showcase all levels of the rugby community in Hong Kong.

The event will also double as the Ticket Sale for the Cathay Pacific / Credit Suisse Hong Kong Sevens 2006 . The public will have the exclusive opportunity on the day to buy tickets for the Sevens. Tickets will go on sale at 12 noon.

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Released by the Hong Kong Rugby Football Union
For more information, please contact:
Rita Wong, HKRFU
T: 2504 8344
F: 2576 7237
E: rita.wong@hkrugby.com