WellingtonNZ.com,
New Zealand 

Wellington will host nine teams over 64 nights during Rugby World Cup 2011 pool play, with quarter-finalists also staying in the capital. 

Positively Wellington Tourism Chief Executive David Perks welcomed today’s team hosting announcement, which will see world champions South Africa spend 17 nights in the capital. 

“As defending world champions South Africa will attract a lot of interest and attention. We’ll be working hard to make sure when the spotlight is on them, it’s also on Wellington.” 

Wellington’s core visitor markets are well represented in the hosting announcement, with the city hosting a broad range of teams including the All Blacks, USA, Canada and Wales.

"Wellington's first pool match is set to be a blinder, with South Africa taking on Wales. The Welsh are known as passionate supporters so it will well and truly be a Wellington-style match - the atmosphere will be incredible."

The Wallabies will be spending six nights in Wellington and are also expect to reach one of the two quarter-finals being hosted in the capital, Mr Perks said. 

“We’re planning to launch a consumer campaign in Australia next year and this gives us another key story and call to action. By building awareness over 2010 we’ll be able to maximise the opportunity the draw and the hosting schedule offers our city in 2011.” 

 The Europe 1 qualifer will also spend 7 nights in Wairarapa. Team hosting alone looks set to result in almost 5000 commercial bed nights in the region.

Wellington Team Hosting

Wellington RWC 2011 Draw