Seven matches due to be held at Stadium Christchurch will now be played elsewhere in New Zealand, the tournament's partners announced today.

Damage to the stadium is so extensive and the time-frame for repair so uncertain, organisers had no choice but to switch venues.

Pool matches will now be reallocated to other Rugby World Cup 2011 venues and the quarter-finals will be played at Eden Park.

Ticket holders will be offered a refund or tickets to reallocated matches.

The decision to rule out Christchurch was unanimously supported by tournament owners the International Rugby Board, the New Zealand Government, the New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) and tournament organiser Rugby New Zealand 2011 (RNZ 2011).


International Rugby Board chairman Bernard Lapasset, who travelled to Christchurch for today's announcement, said: "Yesterday we were informed by Stadium Christchurch operator Vbase that it could not guarantee that the extensive repairs required could be completed in time.

"That information, coupled with a thorough review of every aspect of hosting RWC 2011 in the city, means tournament partners have been left with no choice but to make the difficult decision to reallocate the seven matches due to be played in Christchurch.

"This has been a hard decision for all involved, given the place of Canterbury in New Zealand rugby and the tremendous enthusiasm and support that the people of Christchurch have displayed for RWC 2011.

"The thoughts of the global rugby family continue to be with the people of Christchurch and everyone affected as they focus on the city's rebuilding process and repair of key public services and facilities."

RNZ 2011 chairman Brian Roche said: "We know Cantabrians are passionate about rugby and we know that many wanted the matches to remain as a way to unite and heal their shattered city.

"However, we needed to weigh up the risks of continuing with matches in Christchurch with just 25 weeks until the world's third largest sporting event kicks off.

"Sadly, we collectively agreed the risks were too great - the timeframes for repairs were too tight, the uncertainty too much."

Eden Park is confirmed as the venue for the quarter finals of October 8 and 9.

A decision regarding where the five Pool matches will now be played is likely before the end of March.