Moffett sad at loss of cup role

MANCHESTER - Former NZ Rugby Football Union boss David Moffett cannot conceive how his fallen successor, David Rutherford, and others lost the World Cup hosting rights.

Moffett is in Manchester for the Commonwealth Games in his new role as chief executive of Sport England.

"What has happened is a tragedy for New Zealand, considering what New Zealand has given to the world of rugby," Moffett said.

As NZRFU chief executive until 2000, he was closely involved in the joint bid with Australia.

While loath to criticise his successors, he could not understand how New Zealand's position of strength had slipped so far.

"It don't think it's fair for me to comment on the internal workings of the NZRFU. I've obviously been two years out of it," he said.

"But we had a fantastic bid. We convinced the [International Rugby Board] that Australia and New Zealand should co-host the cup.

"It was on track and it was going to be fantastic for both countries. There was no misunderstanding then and I don't see what would have happened in the period since.

"The tournament is not happening [in New Zealand]. It's terribly sad."

Moffett "knew for sure" that the Australian Rugby Union could not be blamed for New Zealand's loss.

It was an interesting comment, as in his more recent role as chief executive of Australia's NRL, he would frequently be at loggerheads with ARU counterpart John O'Neill.

Moffett said he still believed the game was in good heart in New Zealand.

- NZPA

Sir Thomas Eichelbaum's full report