Rugby World Cup 2011 (RWC 2011) Tournament partners have today reluctantly decided that Christchurch will be unable to host the seven matches scheduled to be played at Stadium Christchurch and these will be rescheduled to be played at other venues in New Zealand.

The decision was unanimously supported by Tournament owners the International Rugby Board, the New Zealand Government, the New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) and Tournament organizer Rugby New Zealand 2011 (RNZ 2011).

IRB Chairman Bernard Lapasset traveled to Christchurch for today's announcement and said that Stadium Christchurch operator could not guarantee that the extensive repairs required for both the stadium structures and the playing surface could be completed in time.

He added that is the only logical alternative to stage two of the Tournament's premier matches given the ground capacity and visitor accommodation demands associated with these quarter-final matches.

The Rugby World Cup will be held in New Zealand starting on September 9th.

Story by: Paradise Tabucala