In a major turnaround, the International Rugby Board has said that New Zealand is an option to stage another Rugby World Cup tournament.
The successful 2011 tournament, won by the All Blacks, was largely accepted as the last time the country would host rugby's showpiece, with any future bids likely only as a junior partner to Australia.
But the new chief executive of the IRB, Brett Gosper, told the Sunday Star-Times during a visit to New Zealand that he believes a repeat sole hosting is a viable option.
Gosper's predecessor, Mike Miller, had warned prior to the 2011 tournament that the new economic model around the World Cup would likely preclude New Zealand bidding on a sole basis again.
But Gosper rejected that status.
"No, no, not at all," he said to suggestions the country's days as a sole host were over. "I think it will take a while to come back to New Zealand, you've had it twice, and we've only had seven tournaments.
"It will happen, though it won't happen over the next few World Cups for sure.
"The World Cup was brilliant here. It refilled the reserves we spend on the game, so Rugby World Cup is in a great position as we head towards 2015 in England which will be, I think, record-breaking in all, if not most, criteria.
The successful 2011 tournament, won by the All Blacks, was largely accepted as the last time the country would host rugby's showpiece, with any future bids likely only as a junior partner to Australia.
But the new chief executive of the IRB, Brett Gosper, told the Sunday Star-Times during a visit to New Zealand that he believes a repeat sole hosting is a viable option.
Gosper's predecessor, Mike Miller, had warned prior to the 2011 tournament that the new economic model around the World Cup would likely preclude New Zealand bidding on a sole basis again.
But Gosper rejected that status.
"No, no, not at all," he said to suggestions the country's days as a sole host were over. "I think it will take a while to come back to New Zealand, you've had it twice, and we've only had seven tournaments.
"It will happen, though it won't happen over the next few World Cups for sure.
"The World Cup was brilliant here. It refilled the reserves we spend on the game, so Rugby World Cup is in a great position as we head towards 2015 in England which will be, I think, record-breaking in all, if not most, criteria.
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