Bernard Lapasset, chairman of the International Rugby Board and Rugby World Cup Limited, has hailed Rugby World Cup 2011 as an 'exceptional event' and an 'outstanding success'.
New Zealand's win over France in the Rugby World Cup final on Sunday marked the climax to a tournament which hit all its ticketing, sponsorship and broadcast targets and, added Lapasset, achieved the key goals of furthering the profile of rugby and New Zealand around the world.
'New Zealand 2011 will be remembered as an exceptional Rugby World Cup, he said. 'It has been a tournament where New Zealand’s rich culture and heritage has gone hand in hand with Rugby’s tradition and values.'
Lapasset added: 'New Zealanders should be proud of their event. They made it special by embracing the tournament the length and breadth of the country, welcoming all 20 teams and 100,000 international visitors with open arms. It was quite remarkable.'
Revenues from the Rugby World Cup 2011 commercial programme, including broadcast, sponsorship and travel and hospitality will deliver an estimated £80 million net surplus boost to the sport. Rugby World Cup accounts for 95% of the revenues the IRB distributes to grow the game globally.
