RWC 2011: New Zealand rolls out welcome mat
New Zealand is in the final countdown to Rugby World Cup 2011 and as the days tick by until the first players take to the field on 9 September, there’s been a change of gear in the stadium of four million.
Kiwis are getting ready to roll out the welcome mat for an expected 85,000 visitors, many on New Zealand soil for the first time, and preparations throughout the country have ramped up to a new level.
The Prime Minister says it’s so close he can just about taste the Rugby World Cup, and the country’s youngest players and supporters are in training for performances on and off the field.
All are gearing up to be part of the biggest sporting event in New Zealand’s history ... a 45-day tournament featuring 20 of the world’s top rugby teams, playing 48 matches in 12 stadiums across the country, with an expected 85,000 visitors who're invited to participate in a nationwide festival, assisted by 5,000 volunteers, covered by more than 2,000 of the world’s media and backed by a stadium of four million Kiwis.
Welcoming the nations
On 1 June - marking 100 days to go until the tournament begins - New Zealand rolled out a giant welcome mat on the steps of Parliament Buildings, in Wellington.
The mat carries greetings in every language represented by the 20 nations that will fight it out on the rugby field.
New Zealand rolls out the welcome mat at Parliament Buildings, Wellington - ready to welcome the world. Credit: Lance Lawson
Young and old, Kiwis all over New Zealand are preparing to celebrate the greatest rugby tournament in the world. Credit: Lance Lawson
New Zealand Prime Minister John Key and local school children representing the 20 nations that will be competing in Rugby World Cup 2011. Credit: Lance Lawson
Enthusiastic young rugby supporters celebrate 100-days-to-go until Rugby World Cup 2011 starts on 9 September 2011. Credit: Lance Lawson
Prime Minister John Key and IRB vice-chairman Bill Beaumont show off rugby's most coveted prize - the iconic Webb Ellis Cup.
Credit: Lance Lawson
At 100 days out, NZ Prime Minister John Key says he can already taste Rugby World Cup. Credit: Lance Lawson
More information
Kiwi hosts on ball for Rugby World Cup 2011
New Zealand warms up for RWC 2011
Rugby World Cup 2011
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