Rugby World Cup venues to be announced

The organisers of the 2011 rugby World Cup in New Zealand will announce next week which venues have secured the quarterfinals and bronze final matches.

Rugby New Zealand will make the announcement on Thursday following a final board meeting.

Auckland, already guaranteed the final and semifinals, has also bid for the quarterfinals and the third placing match.

Christchurch and Wellington have also applied to host quarterfinals.

Auckland and Hamilton have bid for the "bronze final" between the losing semifinalists.

Auckland has proposed either Eden Park or North Harbour Stadium as a venue for the bronze final.

Eden Park has previously been selected to host the final and both semifinals.

- NZPA