New Zealand has successfully won the bid to host the 2011 Rugby World Cup. New Zealand's chance came when South Africa, tipped to be a strong second runner to Japan, was voted out in the first round.

New Zealand came from behind as the outside chance, but managed to sway International Rugby Board heads with a heavyweight lobby team including: Prime Minister Helen Clark, All Black great Colin (Pine Tree) Meads, All Black captain Tana Umaga.
The announcement was made in Dublin at 5.40am NZT.

	New Zealand Schmoozes IRB, Wins 2011 Rugby World Cup Bid New Zealand has successfully won the bid to host the 2011 Rugby World Cup. New Zealand's chance came when South Africa, tipped to be a strong second runner to Japan, was voted out in the first round. New Zealand came from behind as the outside chance, but managed to sway International Rugby Board heads with a heavyweight lobby team including: Prime Minister Helen Clark, All Black great Colin (Pine Tree) Meads, All Black captain Tana Umaga. See... NZ Wins Bid To Host 2011 Rugby World Cup REACTION: NZ Wins Rugby World Cup Bid. NZ Govt - New Zealand proud to host Rugby World Cup 2011 National - Cup presents huge opportunity to showcase NZ Auckland City Council - Auckland to Host Rugby World Cup 2011 Akld Chamber of Commerce - World Cup Creates Opportunity for Auckland, NZ ... Newmarket Business Association - 2011 Rugby World Cup a huge boost to business Jade Stadium - RWC a huge boost to Jade and Christchurch Honorary Consul for South Africa - Congratulations to NZRU And the People of New Zealand Maori Party - Kaitaia looking forward to hosting cup final North Shore City - North Shore City Mayor praises NZRU Employers and Manufacturers Association Northern - World cup coup; infrastructure must be accelerated Auckland City Council - Mayor sends message to the world Tourism Industry Association - Tourism Industry welcomes Rugby World Cup Adidas - Adidas NZ Congratulates NZRU on RWC 2011 Win