Report: Hosting Rugby World Cup More Beneficial To New Zealand Than Winning It

A government report revealed that long-term benefits of hosting the Rugby World Cup last year are "likely to be more significant than winning the event," according to Michael Daly of the DOMINION POST. Enduring benefits identified in the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment study included "positive visitor experiences, new connections, new major-event capability, infrastructure developments and raised interest in volunteering." The tournament's success was highlighted by "consistently high attendances," with 1.48 million matchday attendances and stadium capacity usage across the entire tournament reaching 94%. Statistics New Zealand estimated 133,200 visitors from more than 100 countries attended, "well above forecasts of 71,000 to 85,000 visitors." A key government goal in bidding for the tournament was to demonstrate New Zealand's "ability to host major events" (DOMINION POST, 12/19).