Aussies ready to hold cup on their own

SYDNEY - The Australian Rugby Union yesterday claimed that it had met all the requirements to stage the World Cup on its own.

ARU chairman Bob Tuckey said the union had "100 per cent clean venues, including boxes and suites."

Tuckey criticised New Zealand Sports Minister Trevor Mallard for leading an "ill-informed attack" over the ARU's ability to deliver venues free of existing advertising.

He said Mallard had claimed the ARU had signed the host union agreement knowing its stadiums would not be "clean."

"Quite contrary to Minister Mallard's claims, on March 15, the ARU completed negotiations with all proposed venues in this country," Tuckey said.

"The ARU was now in full compliance with the requirements of Rugby World Cup Ltd."

He said the ARU and its managing director John O'Neill had been subjected to unfounded criticism since the NZRFU decided this month to "decline the invitation" to be sub-host.

"These attacks have been based on misinformation, conjecture or a limited and distorted understanding of the bid and hosting process."

nte He said it had never been the ARU's aim to host the event on its own. However, New Zealand's refusal to sign the sub-host agreement had set in train a series of events that led to the present situation.

Tuckey said sticking points in negotiations since the middle of last year had included an NZRFU proposal to alter the split of net revenue so that New Zealand would be able to turn a projected loss into a surplus.

- NZPA