Rugby World Cup climax weekend brings $78m cash boost

The Rugby World Cup store on Queen St, Auckland. A new report says this finals weekend is alone worth $78.1 million for the Auckland regional economy. Photo / Natalie Slade

The Rugby World Cup final weekend will generate $78.1 million for the regional economy as fans from France and across New Zealand descend on Auckland, according to research commissioned by MasterCard Worldwide.

The credit card company - one of the major sponsors of the tournament - said the direct economic impact would come from a surge of 50,000 international visitors for the event.

It said the total regional GDP impact from hosting the 2011 final could be as much as $67.6m for the New Zealand economy.

The research, commissioned by MasterCard and undertaken by the Centre for the International Business of Sport (CIBS) at Coventry University, examined the value of the final by looking at the short-term commerce flow through international fans spending in bars, clubs, shops, hotels and bookmakers along with sponsors and organisations spending on marketing in and around Auckland.

The climax will be a revenue spinner for a number of reasons.

"Scheduling the bronze final playoff on Friday night, with the final on Sunday evening, is likely to bring in a surge of fans from outside Auckland who are in town for a once-in-a-lifetime long weekend and to watch their team's tilt for global domination," CIBS director Simon Chadwick said in a statement.

CIBS estimated the windfall for the winning union would amount to between $43.7m to $62.5m.

It could also expect further commercial perks, such as increased player value, bonus payments attached to sponsorship and other commercial relationships and increased attendances at future games.

Should the All Blacks win, each player will receive a share of a $3 million bonus, about $100,000 each.

The French squad will receive even more, with each player standing to earn a $310,000 bonus if they become champions.

"This has been the tournament that keeps on giving: not only has it had a huge impact on the local economy through overseas spending, but its impact on the game itself has been significant too," Mastercard's Stuart Cameron said.

"In Romania, Russia and Georgia we have seen where the future growth of this sport lies."

The final is shaping up to be the most watched television event in New Zealand history.

The All Blacks' semifinal against Australia attracted 1.9 million viewers, almost half the population.

Overseas viewing figures have also been strong .The Wales-France semifinal kick-off attracted 9.5 million viewers in France, increasing to 11.3 million by the end of the match, and representing the 9th highest rugby audience in France since 1989.