The cup that cheers

COLIN SMITH/Nelson Mail

BUONO: Nelson city councillor Aldo Miccio and his children Isabella, 8, and Lewis, 10, and other supporters celebrate Nelson being included in the 2011 Rugby World Cup schedule.

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Supporters of Nelson's bid for 2011 Rugby World Cup games are in celebration mode, with the city being awarded hosting rights for two matches, and many expect the economic benefits for the entire region to be huge.

Rugby New Zealand 2011 chief executive Martin Snedden yesterday unveiled the dates and venues for the 20-team, 48-match tournament, which will start in Auckland on September 9, 2011.

Nelson's involvement will begin in the second week, when it hosts Italy and an as yet unknown opponent from the European qualification group on Tuesday, September 20.

A week later, on September 27, Italy will play a team from the Americas qualification group.

The Sprig and Fern pub in Nelson's Hardy St yesterday become the meeting point for dozens of people keen to celebrate the news.

Nelson city councillor Aldo Miccio, one of the main forces behind the city's bid, said being involved in the world cup would be huge for Nelson.

"As far as the sporting arena is concerned, it's probably the biggest news that's happened in Nelson.

"This will be transformational for the city, especially when it comes to investment and tourism.

"It will give a lot of belief to people that are working and have invested money in this region."

Nelson had lobbied hard for Italy to play matches at Trafalgar Park, drawing on the city's Italian heritage and community. "The one thing that the Rugby World Cup Ltd understood was that Italy made sense for Nelson, and that's why we bid for them."

Rugby NZ 2011 is still working out which cities will host teams, but Mr Miccio was confident that Italy would be based in Nelson.

"The final decision comes down to the coach of the Italian team, but to have two of their easier games played in Nelson, it makes his decision a lot easier."

Others at the pub were just as delighted by the decision. Nelson Fresh Choice supermarket owner Mark A'Court admitted to being "totally surprised" by the decision, but said the economic spinoffs would be huge.

Mr Snedden told The Nelson Mail that Nelson had submitted a superb and enthusiastic bid, and its targeting of Italy had helped the city secure the hosting rights.

"We were never quite sure how the whole thing would fit until we got to the serious part of fitting the match schedule together, but when we did, it just emerged that Italy was a really good fit."

He also praised the way the Nelson community had rallied around the Tasman Makos last year when it looked like they would be excluded from the Air New Zealand Cup.

Mr Snedden said he was confident that Nelson's facilities would be up to scratch.

"I don't have any lack of confidence at all. They're so highly motivated about this that the region will get incredibly galvanised behind this."

A total of $5.9 million is to be spent improving Trafalgar Park for the event, including new turf, drainage, a pavilion and lighting.

Mr Snedden would not be drawn on whether Nelson was likely to host the Italian team.

He said the two matches would not kick off any later than 7.30pm, and ticket prices would not shock people.

Tasman Rugby Union chief executive Peter Barr said hosting matches would be good not only for rugby in the region, but the wider community as well. \

"This is the Rugby World Cup. I don't know if people realise how big it's going to be, and how much interest it will create, not only for the rugby fraternity but for New Zealanders as a whole."

He said the union was looking forward to playing an active role in the match day operation.

Nelson Tasman Tourism chief executive Paul Davis, who chaired a Nelson Rugby World Cup working party, said the region would benefit from the international exposure.

"Italy was one of the teams that was targeted right from the start as having very good synergies with the local community here, and also being an exciting team to watch.

"We hope that will result in brilliant international publicity for Nelson through the broadcast."

Nelson Mayor Kerry Marshall and Tasman Mayor Richard Kempthorne expressed their delight at the announcement.

- © Fairfax NZ News