Southern Region Gears Up For Rugby World Cup 2011

The biggest sporting event of its kind, celebrating New Zealand's national game, Rugby World Cup 2011 kicks off in exactly two years time - and the South is ready!

Two years from now, teams from Scotland, England and Argentina will have already played their matches in Dunedin and Invercargill, and on 2 October 2011 Ireland and Italy will be preparing for the last of the Southern Region's five pool matches in Dunedin.

Based on the success of the combined Otago and Southland regional bid for hosting pool matches a Southern Region stakeholder group, made up of local authorities, Rugby unions, regional tourism organisations and representatives from the hospitality, tourism and service sectors is reconvening to continue preparing for Rugby World Cup 2011.

A meeting on Monday of next week in Dunedin will provide a forum for stakeholders to confirm progress, identify key issues and identify regional opportunities.

'Central Government is driving regional preparations for Rugby World Cup 2011' Southern Region spokesperson Stuart Heal said.'The Otago and Southland region has impressed Tournament Organisers RNZ 2011 with our collaborative approach to bidding for pool matches and how we plan to host teams playing down here. We now have to make good on our bid promises and capitalise on the economic legacy of the Tournament. In our region, we have a real opportunity to showcase our uniqueness and deliver enduring benefits, making the Tournament about more than Rugby.'

The Southern Region has developed a marketing campaign called 'Spin It Wide' to promote Otago and Southland and to engage, include and encourage Southern communities participation in the Tournament and associated regional events.

Southern Region Stakeholder Rugby World Cup 2011 meeting, Sir Clifford Skeggs Gallery, Monday 28 September 2009, 10.30am

Contact details

Contact Debra Simes, Marketing Communications Agency Manager, Dunedin City Council on 027 294 6301.

Last reviewed: 25 Sep 2009 2:28pm