16 March, 2011

Christchurch has lost its Rugby World Cup games but Canterbury tourism leaders are urging rugby fans not to by-pass the region.

They say Canterbury still has loads to offer rugby fans and that people should push ahead with their plans to explore the region.

“Canterbury is the home of rugby in New Zealand and for rugby devotees no trip to New Zealand can be complete without a visit to the region where the first rugby football union was established in 1879,” says Christchurch & Canterbury Tourism chief executive Tim Hunter.

“Sadly we won’t be hosting any Rugby World Cup games here but fans should still come and experience our passion for the game and spend time in the region which has produced such All Black greats as Robbie Deans, Wayne Smith, Dan Carter and Richie McCaw.’’

“Christchurch is still the gateway to the South Island and we’re confident many Rugby World Cup visitors will choose to spend time here despite the loss of the games, because as a visitor destination which stretches from the mountains to the sea we offer so much,” Mr Hunter says.

ENDS

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