Heading to the RWC? Prepare to shell out thousands

Wednesday 30 December 2009
Published By: Ben Welch
International Rugby > New Zealand

We may be living in difficult economic times, but that doesn't seem to mean rugby fans hoping to get to the World Cup in 2011 are being given any breaks.

According to New Zealand's The Press, the first packages for the event are due to go on sale on Friday (January 1st) and could be similar to the cost of last time around - an average of NZ$17,000 (£7,660).

But Kiwi fans may struggle to obtain tickets for the big games at any price, as House of Travel spokesman Brent Thomas noted that demand is already high - with one request for 500 tickets being received from Chicago.

The firm, one of two approved travel agencies, starts selling on January 5th and expects to have sold out in four months, so anyone who doesn't book early could well be disappointed.

However, those who do manage to get hold of a ticket may be left without a roof over their head, as New Zealand is expected to struggle to cope with the influx of international fans - anticipated to be around 66,000.