23 Oct 2008

2011 Rugby World Cup boost forecast for NZ

3:31 pm on 23 October 2008

The international audit firm Deloitte says the 2011 Rugby World Cup could give New Zealand a boost of nearly $6 billion.

In a report commissioned by the International Rugby Board, Deloitte says the cup is now the third biggest sports event in the world in terms of spectators and attracting international visitors.

The report says the tournament has the potential to command four billion viewers worldwide and attract 70,000 to 100,000 visitors.

It says the 2011 World Cup could bring the same stimulus to the New Zealand economy as the Lord of the Rings movie trilogy.