Water pours from a broken water main outside Christchurch's AMI Stadium that was also damaged in the recent earthquake © Getty Images

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Tournaments/Tours: Rugby World Cup | Super Rugby

Teams: New Zealand

Rugby World Cup officials insist they will not rush a decision on whether the earthquake-hit city of Christchurch will host matches at this year's tournament but they have confirmed that all 48 matches will be played in New Zealand.

Christchurch is scheduled to host five pool games and two quarter-finals during the sport's showpiece event later this year but all those plans were thrown into doubt following last week's 6.3-magnitude quake that killed at least 161 people and damaged the region's infrastructure.

AMI Stadium was damaged in the quake and is closed until March 15 for structural assessments while reports suggest that at least a third of the buildings in the central business district will have to be pulled down including many of the hotels that were due to host the thousands of fans expected during the tournament.

In a statement, Rugby World Cup Limited were adamant that a decision would not be made for several weeks following the completion of an extensive review and assessment.

"The thoughts and deepest sympathies of the global Rugby family continue to be with the people of Christchurch, all New Zealanders and everyone affected by last week's tragedy," read the statement. "The response of the global Rugby family has been overwhelming and we know is greatly appreciated by those affected.

"It is appropriate that the focus must remain on the extensive recovery and response operation in Christchurch and it would not be right for Rugby World Cup Limited (RWCL)to speculate or comment on Christchurch's ability to host Rugby World Cup 2011 matches as planned until an extensive review and assessment has been completed, which could take several weeks.

"RWCL, in partnership with tournament organisers RNZ 2011, the New Zealand Rugby Union and the New Zealand Government, continues to assess the damage to critical tournament facilities and services. These include Stadium Christchurch itself, accommodation, training facilities, the transport network and key tournament infrastructure.

"It is clear there has been damage to Stadium Christchurch, accommodation and other infrastructure. However no decision will be taken about the RWC 2011 matches scheduled to be held in Christchurch until accurate and confirmed information has been received and analysed following the completion of the currently ongoing full assessment. Consideration must be given to all aspects of hosting RWC matches."

Regardless of the eventual decision on Christchurch's role in the tournament, officials have underlined the fact that any alternative venues will be in New Zealand. "Whatever the outcome of the detailed assessment, all 48 matches will be hosted in New Zealand and the tournament will kick off on September 9.

"RWCL and RNZ 2011 continue to regularly update all tournament stakeholders who have been extremely supportive throughout the process. All Rugby stakeholders recognise that the people of Christchurch are the paramount consideration at this difficult time."

Speaking earlier this week, New Zealand Prime Minister John Key stressed there was still a chance the city would play its planned part in the World Cup. "My strong preference is to hold the Cup in Christchurch if we can because I think it sends a very strong international message that Christchurch is going through a rebuilding phase, and equally, if we don't, sadly the message is it's not."

The Canterbury-based Crusaders have had to re-locate their Super Rugby fixtures from AMI Stadium to Nelson and Key has confirmed that that the primary concern was ensuring the venue was in the right condition to host games.

"That work is happening. If it doesn't pass that standard then obviously the cup has to be moved, if it does then we can work through the other logistical issues."

If the stadium is declared fit for the tournament then the other major issue facing organisers is finding accommodation for visiting fans with many of the city's hotels damaged or even destroyed. "We've already made inquiries about cruise ships and that's entirely possible, and that's not a bad place to stay if you're the Barmy Army," added Key. "Even if it costs a bit more, we might be prepared to accommodate that cost if it means holding the cup in Christchurch."