History of the Rugby World Cup

What is Rugby?

Rugby union is a full contact sport that consists of fifteen players on each team. The game is played on a rectangular field one hundred and twenty metres long and fifty-eight to sixty-eight metres wide all depending on the venue, but only one hundred metres is used for general game play. At both ends of the field there are two goals in the shape of an ‘H’ in the centre. The point of the game is to get to the other teams goal line with the ball to score.  

The World Cup.

The concept of a Rugby World Cup had first been thought of in 1979 but it was not until late1983 that the Australia and New Zealand Rugby Football Unions submitted a proposal to the International Rugby Football Board (IRFB) to hold the Rugby World Cup competition. After Australia and New Zealand had both submitted their proposals they became aware of the others intentions to hold the same event. Australia wanted to hold the tournament in 1988 the same year as their Bicentenary while New Zealand was planning for the previous year.

Both Australia and New Zealand were declined their proposals, so both nations decided to unite their resources to conduct a feasibility study to present to the IRFB at their annual meeting during March in 1985.

1987 was the year both Australia and New Zealand agreed on as this would not clash with the Olympic Games and also the FIFA World Cup. A further vote was then held on the two nations holding the event at the IRFB meeting-taking place in Paris. Eight IRFB nations consisting of Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, France, England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales voted. The vote resulted in six votes to two in favour of Australia and New Zealand holding the World Cup. The two countries that voted against this proposal were Ireland and Scotland. They believed the World Cup would threaten the amateur status of the sport. France supported this event only if countries not already with the IRFB were invited to partake in the competition. South Africa was excluded from taking place in the tournament, as they were the objects of an international sporting boycott because of the apartheid regime, however they still voted in favour of the concept. 

The encouraging decision was an important one, as it enabled for the tournament to go ahead. The world body would be organising the World Cup and not big business or television companies whose only main interest would be in making a substantial amount of money.

After being given the go ahead with only two years to organise the tournament, they were finally able to establish a world championship that would be held in New Zealand with Australia being a co-host.

Before the World Cup there were other international competitions. Rugby Union was played at regular test matches, touring sides, Home Nations Championship/ Five Nations Championship and at the summer Olympics. Rugby Union was played at the summer Olympics on four occasions, in 1900, 1908, 1920 and 1924. However, playing at the summer Olympics these competitions did not involve full national sides as it only involved three or four participating nations at any individual event. The Home Nations Championship/Five Nations Championships has been established since 1883. The Five Nations Championship is one of the oldest international rugby tournaments involving only the European nations.

The Rugby World Cup was first played in 1987. Australia and New Zealand were the first countries to host The Rugby World Cup. Sixteen nations come together to play thirty-two matches. The winner in the first year was New Zealand captained by David Kirk and France running up in second place (29-9). A video of the first ever Rugby World Cup Final, New Zealand verse France can be viewed on this link.

The Rugby World Cup is played every four years. It is planned so it doesn’t clash with the Olympic Games.

The second series of The Rugby World Cup was played in 1991 and was hosted by England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland and France. Australia took out the win 12 – 6 against England at the Twickenham Stadium in London. New Zealand and Scotland both taking out third place.

The third Rugby World Cup was in 1995. The 1995 Rugby World Cup was hosted and won by South Africa. This was the first major sporting event held in South Africa following the end of the apartheid. The World Cup final was played on the 24^th June 1995 at Ellis Park in Johannesburg. South Africa defeated New Zealand fifteen to twelve. 

The 1999 Rugby World Cup was the fourth, and was also the first Rugby World Cup to be held in the Rugby Union’s professional era. Wales was the holder of the World Cup even though most of the games were played outside the country, sharing between England, France, Scotland and Ireland. 1999 was also the first year twenty nations competed in the Rugby World Cup. Previously twelve nations had competed. It was this year that the repechage was introduced into the tournament. The repechage created a second chance for teams that finished as runners up in the qualifying zone. Australia ended up winning the Cup thirty-five to twelve beating France.

2003 Rugby World Cup was the fifth Rugby World Cup, which was won by England. The World Cup was to be co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand, but all games were moved to Australia due to a contractual dispute over ground signage rights between New Zealand Rugby Union and Rugby World Cup Limited. The event started at the Telstra Stadium in Sydney with Australia defeating Argentina twenty-four to eight. Soon the semi-finals came with Australia winning twenty-two to ten to New Zealand. The winner of the 2003 Rugby World Cup was England with twenty to seventeen to Australia. England was the first northern hemisphere World Champions.  

France was the host of the sixth Rugby World Cup held in 2007. The first match opened with France and Argentina at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis Paris, the stadium was also the venue for the final match between England and South Africa. South Africa won their second title at fifteen to six points. The Rugby World Cup was held in twelve stadiums with some venues in Edinburgh and Cardiff located in Scotland. 

All teams play to win the Rugby World Cup. The Rugby World Cup is also acknowledged as The Webb Ellis Cup, the cup is the prize presented to the winner of the series. The cup was chosen in 1987 as the appropriate prize for the competition, the cup was named The Webb Ellis Cup after William Webb Ellis who created the game of rugby football.

Rugby World Cup Limited organise the tournaments, and the hosts of each series are voted on by the IRFB members in each nation. The allocation of the host for the tournaments is made five or six years prior to the commencement of the event. For example New Zealand was allocated to host the 2011 Rugby World Cup in 2005. In the past the tournament has been co-hosted by one or multiple nations, for example the 1987 Rugby World Cup was co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand.

The Rugby World Cup tournament is one of the largest international sporting events in the world. In 1987, the first World Cup had 300 million television viewers worldwide. The 1991 World Cup tournament in England reached 1.75 billion television viewers around the world. With the increasing television audiences, The 1995 Rugby World Cup reached 2.67 billion viewers, 1999 World Cup reached 3 billion viewers and the 2003 had 3.5 billion viewers. The 2007 Rugby World Cup television audiences continued to increase to a massive 4.2 billion over the 48 matches, with the average audience 47,150 per game.  

Out of all the nations that have competed and won the World Cup have never been able to successfully protect the title, but overall Australia has been the most successful nation winning the World Cup twice, in the finals three times, semi- finals four times and the quarter finals six times.

Host Cities

Whangarei

The city of Whangarei is 160-kilometres north of Auckland, roughly a two-hour scenic drive. The North is steeped in history. Northland is regarded as the first region in New Zealand, and where legendary explorer Kupe made his first landfall. It is believed by many Maori’s that Northland is the birthplace of New Zealand.

With the Northland coastline extending over 200kms, no matter where you are you’re never more then 40kms from the coast. Making Whangarei the perfect location for swimming, fishing, sailing and exploring New Zealand history.

Auckland

Auckland is New Zealand’s biggest city. The home of Eden Park, the birthplace of Rugby World Cup 2011. It was here in June 1987 that the All Blacks defeated France 29 – 9 in the very first Rugby World Cup Final. 

Auckland is stretched along a stunning waterfront from the Tasman Sea to the white sandy beaches of the Pacific Ocean. Just off shore lie two of New Zealand’s top getaway destinations, Waiheke and Rangitoto Islands, accessible by a short ferry ride from the city.

With a population of 1.4 million people and over 100 ethnicities, Auckland is the largest and fastest growing region in New Zealand. With a blend of European, South Pacific and Asian cultures there remains a strong indigenous Maori heritage, offering visitors to experience a rich cultural and gastronomic experience.

The best place to enjoy stunning views of the city is the 328 metres Sky Tower, the tallest building in the Southern Hemisphere. For the adrenalin-seeking bungee jump for a 192 metre thrill!

Hamilton

The heart of farming country. Situated on the banks of the Waikato River in the central North Island, less then a two-hour drive south of Auckland.

The Hamilton area has a history of 700-800 years of Maori occupation and settlement, with Pa sites and traditional gardens throughout the region. A number of the region’s scenic and cultural highlights are within a one – hour drive from the city. Raglan is one of the worlds best surf beaches, Waitomo glow worm caves, Lord of the Rings inspired Hobbiton in Matamata or relax in hot mineral spas at Te Aroha.

Hamilton is also home to Waikato Stadium, a world-class facility that has been regularly rated Test Venue of the Year by New Zealand Rugby Union. This stadium has hosted an International Rugby event every year since it opened in 2002.

Rotorua

Rotorua is a major-inland city on the southern shores of the lake of the same name, in the Bay of Plenty region on New Zealand’s North Island.

Rotorua is where you’ll see nature at its most powerful. There are four main thermal areas in the region. Bubbling mud, steaming geysers and rumbling earth make up Rotorua’s unique landscape. The city also has a distinctive scent due to its geothermal activity.

Visitors will love a relaxing soak in the healing waters of a hot spring, a therapeutic spa, massage or mud wrap. For the more adventurous traveller river – rafting, mountain biking, four – wheel driving and jet boating. This area is a popular holiday destination for New Zealanders, with 16 lakes; activities such as fishing, swimming and water skiing are immensely popular on the golden sand beaches.

New Plymouth

Situated on the west coast of the North Island, half way between Auckland and Wellington, approximately a four and a half hour drive either way.

The region is a deemed a surfing mecca by surfers all over the world. While Mount Taranaki, featured in the film the Last Samurai as a double for Mount Fuji, is loved by skiers. This is one of the only destinations in the world where you can swim, ski and surf in the same day.

Napier

Napier, the Art Deco City, sits on the edge of the Pacific Ocean on New Zealand's east coast. It is situated in the centre of Hawke's Bay just 18 kilometers from its sister city Hastings. It has a population of nearly 60,000 and is situated 332-kilometres (by road) north east of the capital Wellington. 



In 1931 an earthquake with a magnitude of 7.8 on the Richter scale hit the region lasting two and a half minutes and killing 261 people. During the rebuilding phase, out went the staid Victorian look and in came a modern new art deco style. The newest styles were incorporated in the building designs, from Stripped Classical to Spanish Mission. But it was the Art Deco look that prevailed. Napier has since become famous as a little piece of European design down under.

Palmerston North

Palmerston North, or “Palmy” as the locals call it, is located between Taupo in the North Island and the capital Wellington. The city is a two – three hour drive from Wellington, New Plymouth, Napier and Taupo.  Rugby heritage from every playing nation is showcased in the city of Palmerston North. One of the highlights of the region for Rugby fans is the New Zealand Rugby Museum - where you can experience Rugby culture, connect with the heroes, and be challenged by interactive exhibit, view Rugby memorabilia and records, including some of the world's rarest Rugby artifacts.

Arena Manawatu, hosted the first ever Super 14 Rugby Match in 1996, and is situated within a 7-minute walk from the city centre.

Wellington

Wellington is the capital city of New Zealand. Situated on a scenic harbour at the Southern tip of the North Island. 

The Wellington region is home to 473,700 people, or 11 percent of New Zealand's population. Wellington is best explored on foot for those who like its waterfront, cafes and boutiques, or the trails that stretch across the city's hills. 

Culture and nightlife make Wellington the undisputed party capital of New Zealand. Restaurants, bars and cafes and packed out theatres and cultural venues combine to create an unrivalled energy and vibe. Wellington has a track record of hosting outstanding major events ranging from the International Festival of Arts and International Rugby Sevens through to World Film Premieres, such as the Lord of the Rings and King Kong.

Wellington Regional Stadium, also known as “the Cake Tin”, was used by Peter Jackson to record a chanting cricket crowd for one of his battle scenes in Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers. So rugby fans have much to look forward to atmosphere wise during the World Cup.

Nelson

Nelson is part of the Nelson Tasman region, situated at the top end of the South Island. Nelson is the sunshine capital of New Zealand, with warm, sunny weather year round. The region’s comfortable climate as well as beaches, forest, rivers and mountains engrosses visitors. Recognised for its relaxed lifestyle, Nelson Tasman boasts hundreds of kilometers of beautiful golden beaches and national parks. Farewell Spit, 40 kilometers long, at the tip of the South Island, is New Zealand's longest sand spit and is an internationally renowned bird sanctuary.

Trafalgar Park was where the first ever Rugby match was played in New Zealand in 1870. The stadium is located close to Nelson’s city centre allowing visitors plenty of opportunity to enjoy the city before and after the games.

Dunedin

Dunedin is located on the southeast coast of the South Island of New Zealand, nestled in the hills surrounding Otago Harbour.

The city is rich in heritage and culture and is regarded as New Zealand's architectural heritage capital. The University of Otago is a national icon with many New Zealanders travelling over the country to attend study there. The Classic Victorian architecture reflects the Scottish heritage dating back to the settlers in 1848. Dunedin is Gaelic (Scottish) for Edinburgh.

The Otago Peninsula is home to the world's rarest penguin, the yellow-eyed, and various species of seals, sea lions and pelagic birds.

Carisbrook Stadium is known by many as “The House of Pain”, and has been hosting international Rugby for 100 years.

Invercargill

Invercargill sits at the foot of the South Island and is a flourishing farming community. The city's cultural links with Scotland are reflected by many of the main streets, which are named after Scottish rivers.

Bluff is important to Invercargill because it houses the city's port and fishing industry. It is also the gateway to New Zealand's third island, Stewart Island, 85 percent is part of Rakiura National Park and home to the kiwi and other native birds. The iconic Bluff signpost is just outside town at Stirling Point, a view that tourists should not miss.

Economic Impact To the Host Nation

Economic Impact of Rugby World Cup 2011 in New Zealand

New Zealand and Australia combined, hosted the very first Rugby World Cup (RWC) in 1987, which attracted more than 300 million viewers. This greatly helped put New Zealand on the map as a new tourist destination as it was previously quite overlooked and unheard of. Having the ‘All Blacks’ win the very first tournament this further assisted in the global impact this Major Event had on New Zealand as a country.

As a Major Event, the RWC is capable or appealing to a significant number of visitors as well as media coverage and economic benefits. The 2003 RWC held in Sydney generated such a vast number of visitors and had major media coverage that it qualifies as Mega-Event. This being the case it potentially moves the RWC 2011 into the Mega-Event category. This category encompasses events that are so large that they affect entire economies and global media.

            “Their volume should exceed 1 million visits, their capital cost should be at least $500 million, and their reputation should be that of a ‘must see event… Mega-events, by way of their size or significance, are those that yield extraordinary high levels of tourism, media coverage, prestige, or economic impact for the host community, venue or organization.”
                                                                                                            Getz (2005,p.6)

Since the evolution of Major and Mega Events, in particular Sporting events (such as the Tennis Open, Rugby World Cup, Olympics and Commonwealth Games) countries and cities are actively pursuing the ability to host said events. They are doing this, as they know the increasing benefits from hosting these events. The Rugby World Cup in particular made the leap from major event to Mega-Event in 2003 and hopefully this will again happen at this year’s 2011 RWC.

In the initial bid to gain the 2011 RWC, New Zealand claimed the promised a “stadium for four million”. New Zealand is beginning organise themselves to become a nation of four million hosts when it invites 20 competing nations along with approximately 85,000 rugby fans from around the globe. Following is a chart showing the average attendance per game at previous RWC and the estimated numbers for RWC 2011. Although they are lower other years, in comparison New Zealand (of all 20 Rugby World Cup nations) is the most secluded and furthest from all others within the world. Showing almost double in estimated attendance from 1987 is a high achievement considering those countries such as Wales and France are easily accessible by other nations in the competition.

This opportunity creates the chance for New Zealand as host country to raise its profile as a holiday and event destination to the rest of the world, enhancing its tourism, hospitality and event industries significantly.

Tourism in New Zealand contributes around 10 per cent of its gross domestic product (GDP). It also either directly or indirectly employs one in every ten New Zealanders. As such a prominent part of the New Zealand economy any form of positive impact would definitely affect the entire country for the better.

In 2006 Rugby New Zealand came up with an estimate of a $1.15 billion that would be generated by the RWC in total economic activity. They also estimated more than half a billion dollars would be added to the New Zealand economy during this period. An update on the report then suggested that RWC will further add $507 million towards New Zealand’s GDP. This is an increase of around 23 per cent more than initially estimated at the time of the bid for the 2011 RWC.

Rugby World Cup is broadcasted in over 200 countries and attracts a huge television audience of over four billion. With these numbers in an audience it clearly creates to opportunity for host nations to gain significant awareness and profiling, ultimately creating long term impacts on tourism. After the huge success of events such as the 2000 Sydney Olympics, tourists still flock to see the Olympic Park at Homebush 11 years after. Similarly with the RWC New Zealand has the great advantage to fully develop all their potential opportunities throughout this RWC journey.

Tourism New Zealand has a strong focus on ensuring all the rugby fans involved in the RWC 2011 are not just there to witness a great rugby tournament but are ensuring they also consider the activities and experiences they can have while staying in New Zealand. Furthermore from the marketing and promotional plans associated with the 2011 RWC New Zealand is hoping and has the chance to connected and form relationships with past, returning and new visitors generating tourism before, throughout and after the RWC.

Evidence of the impact and influence on the hospitality industry in particular is within the get packages and deals created in association with the RWC. For example the following are packages advertised “for the ultimate Rugby World Cup 2011 experience”. They are tickets included a range of travel or hospitality experience through official travel agents.

New Zealand Rugby World Cup Packages 2011

These packages were created specifically towards the RWC visitors and will help to generate more tourism for these 4 companies. Other evidence is within the incredible increase in available beds within hotels in Auckland. Accommodation availability within the past five years in Auckland has increased from 6,000 beds to a phenomenal 36,000 beds.  Previous before the announcement of New Zealand’s success in hosting 2011 RWC there was an estimated 10,000 jump in available beds within the city during the 5 years. Offcourse with influence from the RWC this estimate has now tripled in size as to accommodate not only the expected visitors but hopefully also the numerous extra visitors and future guests to the country.

Furthermore within the hotel industry decisions in 2007 saw Rugby New Zealand announce that Williments Travel would manage a Centralised Booking Agency otherwise known as an “Accommodation Bank”. The main purpose of this accommodation bank was to be responsible for meeting and co-ordinating all the Tournament’s accommodation requirements. The following year in 2008, all major hotel groups within New Zealand had signed up to the accommodation bank. The aim is to be able to co-ordinate all the accommodation inventory to meet the Tournament’s requirements.

Another initiative is within the hospitality industry. The impact of the RWC has created a new joint venture between Eden Park, Auckland Rugby and the Experience Group. This group can provide visitors with the complete package; accommodation, travel to New Zealand and packages to get to the games and travel/activities throughout the entire country.

The RWC 2011 event will be on of global proportions which will cause most hotels to trade at almost close to completely full occupancy particular within those cities where the main games are such as Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch. As demonstrated in the below graph, the number of international visitors estimated will peak greatly during September and October. It is evident that with this projected peak the hotel occupancy will ultimately increase at least a minimal amount.  

The Rugby World Cup 2011 is going to impact New Zealand as a country within its economy, within the hospitality industry, within the events industry and within the tourism industry. There will be substantial increases within the economy due to the major increase in visitors and tourists during the RWC period. It will impact the hospitality industry as it has already created a major boost in the packages and hotel deals being created throughout the industry. The impact on the event industry is that having New Zealand as a host of this potential Mega event,  it allows the world to see the potential for other world events or even those smaller conference and exhibition events to be held within New Zealand. Finally the tourism industry is impacted in relation to preparing for the incoming visitors associated with the Rugby World Cup 2011.