Pacific Islands will not host 2011 pool matches

Any hopes Pacific island nations had of hosting pool matches at the 2011 World Cup have been ruled out by the New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU).

After the NZRU's successful bid last month there was speculation either Fiji or Samoa could host some pool matches, but a NZRU spokesman said the bid was based on New Zealand being the sole hosts.

NZRU chief executive Chris Moller has said the International Rugby Board would have to authorise any matches held outside of New Zealand and that was unlikely.

Moller said running a tournament in one country was a much easier commercial and logistical proposition.

- NZPA