RWC 2011 Ticket Pricing Structure Launched

Rugby World Cup 2011 will provide New Zealanders and the global Rugby family with a competitive ticketing structure comparable with other world class events, the Tournament’s organising body Rugby New Zealand 2011 Ltd (RNZ 2011) said today.

With two years to go until the world’s third largest sports event kicks off across 13 venues in New Zealand, RNZ 2011 has announced the ticket pricing structure for the largest global sporting event ever to be hosted in the country.

Tickets will go on general sale in April 2010 and will start at NZ$15 for children at many of the Pool matches and NZ$30 for adults a structure that is comparable to Rugby World Cup 2007 and will ensure that as many New Zealanders as possible will have the opportunity to enjoy the Rugby World Cup experience.

Children’s priced tickets will be available for all Pool matches and the Bronze Final. Tickets for the Final will start at NZ$390, with the top category of ticket priced at NZ$1250, prices that are comparable with other major international sporting events.

An exciting innovation, and a first for a Rugby World Cup, will be the introduction of a payment plan which will allow fans to pay for their tickets in instalments.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE TICKET PRICING STRUCTURE >>

CLICK HERE TO VIEW FINANCING THE GLOBAL GAME >>

RNZ 2011 CEO Martin Snedden said that prices reflected the status of Rugby World Cup as one of the world’s largest sports events balanced against making the event accessible for the New Zealand and global public.

"RWC 2011 is one of the world’s greatest sporting events and will be a once in a lifetime opportunity in such a Rugby loving country as New Zealand. Hosting such an event in New Zealand is a fantastic chance for us to showcase New Zealand and the prices mean the vast majority of matches are priced at a level all New Zealanders can access," said Snedden.

"We believe the ticketing policy will result in each match being played in front of full venues, showcasing New Zealand’s love of Rugby and its place as a host of major international events. It will be a wonderful festival of Rugby with an incredible atmosphere for 45 days throughout the whole country."

Snedden also described the process of setting prices as being key to making tickets affordable for as many New Zealanders as possible.

"We’ve been upfront that ticket prices for RWC 2007 in France would give fans a guide for 2011. Although tickets for knockouts and major pool matches are expensive by New Zealand standards, we have been able to price two-thirds of matches at or below existing test match prices," added Snedden.

"Many matches will be played during the day and we’re keen to see as many families as possible enjoy the RWC 2011 experience. There will be at least one match at every venue which a family of four can enjoy for between NZ$90 and NZ$120."

"We’re conscious that ticket prices for some matches will be well beyond what Kiwis are used to paying, so we are introducing a payment plan that will allow those who pay for their tickets on a credit or debit card to be able to do so in instalments."

RWCL Chairman Bernard Lapasset said he was confident the ticket pricing structure would ensure RWC 2011 would be a great success and build on its status as a wonderful celebration of the global Game.

"Today's announcement is a significant milestone as it means fans can now start planning to come to New Zealand in 2011 to take part in what will be a fantastic festival of Rugby," said Lapasset.

About ticketing:

Following the launch of the Official Travel Packages on January 1, 2010 and the Hospitality Packages on February 1, 2010, match tickets will go on sale globally in April 2010 over three separate Sales Phases.

Phase 1 will see tickets sold in packs. Fans can apply for a Venue Pool Pack for tickets to each pool match at their chosen venue or a Team Pool Pack for tickets to each of their chosen team’s pool matches. Fans will also have the option of adding a Quarter-final Weekend Pack and/or the Bronze Final to their application.

Further details on how to buy tickets will be provided as part of the Official Ticket Sales Launch in 2010. More information on ticketing can be found at www.rugbyworldcup.com/tickets.

About Rugby New Zealand 2011 Ltd:

Rugby New Zealand (RNZ) 2011 Ltd was established in June 2006 and is the organisation responsible for the planning and delivery of Rugby World Cup 2011 in New Zealand on behalf of its shareholders, the New Zealand Rugby Union and the New Zealand Government. RNZ 2011 Ltd is governed by a Board of Directors which is chaired by current NZRU Chairman Jock Hobbs. The New Zealand Rugby Union was selected as the Host Union for RWC 2011 by the International Rugby Board Council in November 2005.

About Rugby World Cup:

The Rugby World Cup is the third largest sports event in the world. The inaugural Tournament took place in 1987 and it is held every four years. In 2007 the sixth tournament was held in France and enjoyed a cumulative worldwide broadcast audience of more than 4 billion.

An independent Deloitte report identified the total economic benefits for the host nation as being up to £2.1 billion. Major attractions for hosting the tournament also includes promotion of the country, a Rugby and sports legacy and a feel good factor.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE DELOITTE REPORT >>

For the latest on RWC 2011 visit rugbyworldcup.com.

Further Information:

Dominic Rumbles, IRB Head of Communications, +353 (0) 86-852-0826, email dominic.rumbles@irb.com