Dunedin hotel's cheeky push for victory parade

All Black player (far right) Adam Thomson has joined the debate calling for a victory parade in Dunedin. File photo

A hotel chain is offering free accommodation if the All Blacks head to Dunedin, and a player even cheekily suggested he might smuggle the Webb Ellis Cup in his luggage, as pressure for a parade in the city mounts.

Yesterday All Black and Otago loose forward Adam Thomson joined the debate, posting a photo of the cup in his luggage on the social networking site Twitter.

"Ok so I know Dunedin doesn't get a parade but I love you guys so I did a little sneaking when Richie wasn't watching,'' he wrote.

Last night more than 5000 people had joined the Facebook page, "We want a victory parade for the All Blacks In Dunedin'', which attracted comment from local MPs and even a hotel chain offering free accommodation.

Yesterday the All Blacks were offered free accommodation at the Scenic Hotel Southern Cross if they travelled down for a parade, Scenic Hotel Group marketing executive Cindy McEwan said.

"I am trying to encourage (the All Blacks) to get down to Dunedin and take the cup down there.''

Dunedin mayor Dave Cull said on Tuesday night the city, along with other centres, could look at encouraging "a bit of a tiki tour with all or part of the All Blacks''.

Invercargill Mayor Tim Shadbolt also lent his support to a parade in Dunedin, which could be similar to when Team New Zealand paraded the America's Cup through the city.

"I am sure they would love to come to the South.''

The Otago Daily Times understands talks are underway on taking the cup on a tour of some New Zealand centres next month, before players leave for Europe.

More than 50,000 people lined Wellington streets today to celebrate the All Blacks' victory over France in the World Cup final.