The Rodney district is set to play a significant part of New Zealand’s efforts in hosting Rugby World Cup in 2011 (RWC 2011).
During September of 2011, Rodney district will play host to three different teams during the tournament. The three teams coming to Rodney will be Samoa, Namibia and the winner of the Asia 1 pool – which is most likely to be Japan.
This exciting news was announced on 18 December by Rugby New Zealand 2011 Ltd (RNZ 2011) CEO Martin Snedden at a function in Auckland. It will see all three teams training at the Silverdale Rugby Club, working out at the Leisure Centre in Whangaparaoa and staying at Gulf Harbour resort.
Mayor Penny Webster says the news that there will be teams training and staying in Rodney during the duration of RWC 2011 is fantastic news for the district.
“New Zealanders were promised that communities all across the country would been given a chance to share in the excitement of the Rugby World Cup and today’s announcement of team and training bases confirms this,” she explained.
“This is not only great news for all rugby fans in Rodney, but also for all the businesses, schools and communities right across our district who will get an opportunity to participate and benefit from RWC 2011.”
Meanwhile, Rodney District Council Marketing and Major Events Co-ordinator Charlotte Cuff says she is delighted that council and key stakeholders have been successful in their endeavours to host RWC teams in Rodney.
“We always knew the Rodney district offered lifestyle at its best with friendly people, stunning and accessible beaches and great facilities all situated a comfortable access from the city,” she added.
“It is pleasing to see the organisers of RWC 2011 have recognised this as well. Now we have the opportunity of showing all that our region offers to the Rugby World Cup teams and their supporters, as well as other visitors, when they come here in 2011. “