Rugby World Cup
Key hopes that Christchurch will host World Cup
ESPNscrum Staff
February 23, 2011
John Key hopes that Christchurch will host World Cup games © Getty Images
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New Zealand prime minister John Key hopes that Christchurch will be able to host matches at this year's Rugby World Cup as a demonstration that the city is returning to its feet after Tuesday's devastating earthquake.

Key confirmed that there had been no formal discussions on whether the city would still be able to host World Cup games after the quake, with all focus currently on the relief effort following the 6.3 magnitude tremor, which killed at least 75 people and caused widespread destruction.

Christchurch is due to host seven matches during the tournament from September 9-October 23, including two quarter-finals.

"If we could host the Rugby World Cup as we're intending to in Christchurch, I'd like to do that. It's some way into the future," Key told reporters. "It's a very important city to New Zealand and it would be a demonstration that Christchurch is back up on its feet.

"Then one of the issues may be accommodation. We know there's been substantial damage to hotels, so again that's something the Rugby World Cup Minister will be looking at."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.

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