Christchurch was set to host England’s opening game against Argentina
Seven Rugby World Cup matches scheduled for earthquake-hit Christchurch will be moved to other venues in New Zealand, organisers have said.
Christchurch was due to host two quarter-finals plus pool matches featuring England and Scotland.
But a report has stated that repairs to structural damage might not be finished by September.
International Rugby Board chairman Bernard Lapasset said: “This has been a painful decision for all parties.”
Tournament organisers have stated that the quarter-final games will be switched to Eden Park in Auckland but they are yet to decide which venues will host the pool matches.
Martin Snedden, chief executive of tournament organisers Rugby New Zealand 2011, told BBC Radio 5 live that a decision is expected soon.
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There is also the risk of new testing exposing fresh problems and causing further delays New Zealand’s Rugby World Cup Minister Murray McCully |
“We are going to make that decision and announce that hopefully by the end of next week, which will provide some clarity for people travelling,” he said.
“We are working hard to ensure as many pool matches as reasonably possible remain in the South Island.”
Snedden explained that Dunedin, Nelson and Invercargill were in the running as hosts but said two games could end up being played in the North Island.
He added: “A key consideration in all of this is to reschedule matches in a way that minimises the impact on other matches and therefore causes the least disruption to existing arrangements for teams and travelling.”
Ticket-holders for the Christchurch matches will be offered a refund or the chance to secure seats for the rearranged matches.
England were set to face Argentina in Christchurch in their opening Pool B match on 10 September.
But the stadium suffered
in the earthquake that hit Christchurch on 22 February.
Stadium operator VBase has now said it cannot guarantee that the extensive repairs required could be completed in time
New Zealand’s Rugby World Cup Minister Murray McCully confirmed organisers and the government had made the decision to change venues after being faced with unacceptable risks and uncertainties.
“There is also the risk of new testing exposing fresh problems and causing further delays,” he said.
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We understand the complexities involved so we are comfortable with a short delay while it is all being worked out England manager Martin Johnson |
“While complete turf replacement is required, it is theoretically possible in a six-month period but the risks are relatively high, especially if there is damage to the complex drainage of storm-water systems underneath the turf.”
Christchurch was hit by an earthquake measuring 6.3 on the Richter Scale, causing damage not only to the stadium but to the centre of the city as well.
Buildings in the centre may have to be demolished, while roads, power lines, and water and sewage supplies have also been affected.
The decision to move the games away from Christchurch leaves both Australia and England looking for new World Cup bases.
England team manager Martin Johnson said: “We are working closely with Rugby World Cup Ltd to understand the possible options for our pool games and what that means for us in terms of a training base.
“But we understand the complexities involved so we are comfortable with a short delay while it is all being worked out.
Streets around the stadium were also damaged |
“We feel for the people of Christchurch who are still suffering following the tragic earthquake.
“But we accept this is the right decision for the tournament and for New Zealand based on all the expert advice.”
Australia coach Robbie Deans, who was born in Christchurch, also said he accepted the decision.
“While today’s news is disappointing for Christchurch, having been in the city earlier in the week and able to assess the damage for myself, the decision is understandable,” he commented.
“As important as the hosting of the Rugby World Cup is to the people of New Zealand, the people of Christchurch have more important issues to deal with as they endeavour to rebuild their city and their lives after the recent tragedy.”
The Rugby World Cup
runs from 9 September to 23 October.
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Rugby World Cup games to be moved