Rugby: Classic match for resort

Queenstown may have missed out in its bid to host a Rugby World Cup match next year, but it has been chosen as the venue for a game that could be a classic.

The Queenstown Recreation Ground will host the Classic All Blacks v French Classics fixture on September 18 next year.

Destination Queenstown Marketing general manager Graham Budd said he was delighted the resort had secured the match.

"We're passionate about rugby in the South, so we were really proud to have been selected to host three Rugby World Cup teams for training.

"The news that Queenstown will host an international calibre match, featuring some of rugby's legends, is the icing on the cake.

"The game will be a great opportunity for people to be part of the whole rugby experience and I think it'll be a huge drawcard for visitors and locals."

The Classics would include former All Blacks, many still playing overseas, who were no longer contracted to New Zealand rugby.

The French team was expected to feature a number of members of the team responsible for the All Blacks' 1999 Rugby World Cup demise at Twickenham.

The Classic All Blacks, including Andrew Mehrtens as captain, Jonah Lomu, Carlos Spencer, Filo Tiatia and Greg Somerville, played a World XV side in Kuala Lumpur in June.

The Classic lineups were expected to be confirmed by July 1, 2011, with tickets to go on sale around the same time.

The event was being organised by the Sevens with Altitude committee, which ran Queenstown's annual national sevens rugby tournament, in association with Classic All Blacks convener Andy Haden.