New Zealand's rugby trophies safe after building worries

Richie McCaw and Dan Carter hold aloft the Webb Ellis Trophy after winning the 2015 Rugby World Cup Final. Photo / Brett Phibbs

Stand down Captain Richie, New Zealand rugby's premier trophies are safe.

That was the message out of New Zealand Rugby today after confirmation staff are not able to enter their Wellington headquarters following Monday's earthquake.

Rugby House, which houses NZR's Wellington-based staff members, in Molesworth Street in the city CBD is located nearby one of the two buildings under threat of collapse.

NZR staff were told yesterday that they cannot enter their building until they get a full clearance from authorities.

Rugby House is normally full of the most prized trophies in the game including the Webb Ellis Trophy for the Rugby World Cup and the symbol of trans-Tasman supremacy, the Bledisloe Cup.

But officials say there is no need to call in Richie McCaw and his helicopter for their second rescue mission of the week.

Neil Sorensen, General Manager Rugby for NZR, confirmed staff had been advised they would be unlikely to re-enter Rugby House this week and are looking at a temporary base and encouraging people to work from home where possible.

"By nature of our work, we are a very mobile workforce and much of our work is able to continue without significant disruption," said Sorensen.

"While we are considering a new temporary base, staff will still have the option to continue working from home until our Molesworth Street location is declared safe."

But what of the most important hardware in Wellington HQ?

"The Rugby World Cup is currently on duty in the UK with the All Blacks, and the Bledisloe Cup is in the care of one of our staff, and is being toured around schools on the Kapiti Coast," said Sorensen.

"Other rugby trophies and some of our treasured memorabilia are in secure cabinets. We hope to retrieve these as access to the building allows."