Pugh and O'Neill to reveal all

By WYNNE GRAY

Vernon Pugh and John O'Neill are expected to front an independent inquiry into New Zealand's failure to host next year's Rugby World Cup.

The review decision came after chairman Murray McCaw circulated an alternative concept when the New Zealand Rugby Union held its Anzac Day board meeting.

The Herald understands McCaw presented each member with an opinion from a public relations firm which recommended a review be avoided.

It suggested the best strategy for the NZRFU to deal with the saga was to stall for time and wait for the furore to dissipate.

The board disregarded that advice.

Members brought a variety of viewpoints to their World Cup discussions before there was agreement that an independent review would offer the best outcome.

Former Chief Justice Sir Thomas Eichelbaum was yesterday appointed to head the investigation and the nation's 27 provinces will be canvassed this weekend to sort out the terms of reference.

It is believed an open-ended investigation is favoured about how and why New Zealand lost its World Cup sub-hosting rights - an inquiry which will require discussions with Rugby World Cup Ltd and the Australian Rugby Union.

RWCL chairman Vernon Pugh could not be reached yesterday, but sources close to the Welsh QC believed he would agree to an inquiry.

He had indicated recently he wanted to reveal his side of the debate and answer some of the heavy criticism aimed at him and his organisation during the protracted wrangling about hosting next year's tournament.

Pugh had chaired several similar rugby inquiries and if he believed the NZRFU probe was appropriate and not just a case of a company marking their own papers, he would co-operate.

ARU chief executive John O'Neill thought, at first glance, that an official in-depth inquiry would clear up some of the misconceptions about the drama.

"I am keen to see the terms of reference and get a clear understanding of the status of the investigation," he said yesterday.

"It is not a Royal Commission, but to the extent that an inquiry like this should have some substance, it would necessarily have to conclude that this was a tripartite deal and would have to include the New Zealand Rugby Union, the Australian Rugby Union and Rugby World Cup Ltd.

"To restrict it to a New Zealand version would be a mistake.

"Therefore, for an investigator to do his or her job properly it would be commonsense to meet with all parties."

Sir Thomas was Chief Justice from 1989 to 1999.

He was appointed to the Privy Council in 1989 and was knighted for services to his country the same year.

Sir Thomas will determine the terms of reference for the review after consulting an NZRFU group of deputy chairman John Spicer, and board members Chris Liddell, Craig Norgate and Paul Quinn.