New Zealand Rugby
Rugby World Cup chief honoured
ESPNscrum Staff
December 31, 2011
RNZ 2011 chief executive Martin Snedden announces the RWC'11 bases, Rugby World Cup 2011 team base allocation announcement, The Heritage Hotel, Auckland, New Zealand, December 18, 2009
Martin Snedden has been honoured for his work at the Rugby World Cup © Getty Images
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Rugby World Cup 2011 chief Martin Snedden has been named a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit in the New Year honours.

The former Black Caps cricketer, who oversaw the successful staging of the World Cup in New Zealand, has been recognised for services to sports administration.

The 53-year-old Aucklander was previously the boss of New Zealand cricket before being tasked with delivering a top-notch World Cup back in 2007, something achieved despite the devastating Christchurch earthquake and widespread fears over ticket prices.

"I knew its importance to New Zealanders and was putting my head on a platter," he told The New Zealand Herald. "I walked into something that carried huge risk and reward, and that was a great attraction.

"Joe Public's involvement was so important and the loveliest thing was the way people rose up and took ownership, which was incredibly inspiring to be part of. I was the public face but a wonderful team behind me powered ahead."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.

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