Stalling puts cup launch timing in doubt

By WYNNE GRAY

A glitzy launch of the next World Cup is likely to be delayed after a deadline passed yesterday for New Zealand to confirm its tournament schedule.

The draw and venues for the fifth global series were due to be announced at a gala day in Sydney next Tuesday, but that has been thrown into disarray after the latest standoff.

The dispute involves the NZRFU's reluctance to make major changes to next season's NPC, which will overlap some of the October-November time frame for the World Cup.

New Zealand is due to stage 23 of the 48 tournament matches, but also wants to hold at least the semifinals and finals of the NPC while the World Cup is being staged.

That row has stopped the NZRFU from reaching agreement with the International Rugby Board and signing their tournament sub-host agreement with the host nation, Australia.

Originally, the board wanted the NPC cancelled or moved to another part of the season, but the NZRFU thought a compromise had been reached - until late last week.

For the past few days, officials from the IRB have been touring potential venues in New Zealand and discussing the impasse with NZRFU staff.

Some decision was expected late yesterday, with that result to be delivered to Australia.

NZRFU chief executive David Rutherford has reportedly been confident that New Zealand can work through the IRB requirements to host two tournament pools, two quarter-finals and a semifinal.

But if the sub-host agreement remains unsigned, the IRB can strip New Zealand of its involvement and appoint Australia as the sole host.

Although there have been denials about deadlines for a decision, the IRB has become increasingly exasperated by the delays involving New Zealand.

"They have five days to agree and sign up," an IRB spokesman told the Times last week when the NZRFU's latest dispute became public.

"One option would be to remove them from hosting the tournament, leaving Australia to host the World Cup on its own.

"That would be a decision for the directors of the RWC."

It is understood that sponsors such as Coca-Cola, Visa and Heineken, which have each reportedly paid £2.5 million ($8.3 million), have been told that the launch near Sydney Harbour might have to be rescheduled.