We can probably assume rugby was not on the mind of Gustave Eiffel when he admired the newly opened lawns surrounding his elegant 324m-high tower.
In 1889, rugby was still a most English of sports and only hardy British seamen and merchants played the game this side ofthe Channel; Parisian weekends during Eiffel's belle epoque were for promenading, cabaret and cinema.
Tomorrow a quirky addition to Eiffel's lawns will be inflated alongside the tower: a white PVC rugby ball so big its owners think it could be the largest in the world.
Once finished the oval beast will measure 25m long, 17m wide and will stand 12m tall. On its side, the message will be the most un-French of slogans: "100 per cent Pure New Zealand."
Inside, the ceiling will be used as a giant movie screen to project images of New Zealand scenery, and show films highlighting the country's lifestyle, food wine and culture. Once open, the ball can hold up to 220 people at a time. At the entrance specialists will teach visitors Maori songs and the haka. The evenings will be given over to events showcasing New Zealand and will include concerts by singers such as Dave Dobbyn and Hinewehi Mohi.
"This is the first time we've done anything like this and I think it is the first time anyone has done this with a rugby ball," said Cas Carter of Tourism New Zealand.
"We wanted to stand out in a busy world and a busy media world and highlight that we will be the hosts for 2011 Rugby World Cup. We wanted to tell people that if you're going to come to New Zealand, then come for longer and do more things when you're here."
The Giant Rugby Ball will be officially opened on Friday by Prime Minister Helen Clark and will include a dawn blessing by Hinewehi Mohi and the Rangimarie Kapa Haka group.
