Stadium Christchurch could have been repaired for the Rugby World Cup, but the timetable would have been too tight and earthquake aftershocks could have derailed the work, event manager Vbase told organisers in a letter yesterday.
As a result of that letter, earthquake-battered Christchurch today lost its Cup hosting rights, with its two quarterfinals going to Auckland.
In a meeting two days ago, Vbase directors were told stadium repairs could have been carried out in time for seven planned Cup matches to be held at the stadium, which was smashed around by last month's 6.3 magnitude earthquake.
But "there would be no time contingency for the work required, or for any unseen events that may arise".
For those reasons, Vbase could not be sure the ground would meet its contractual obligations.
Vbase chief executive Bryan Pearson broke the news to Rugby New Zealand 2011 chief executive Martin Snedden in a letter yesterday, saying "Martin, we reiterate our full commitment to RWC2011 and are disappointed we cannot provide the required level of assurance."
The significant risks were:
• Aftershocks disrupting the repair programme.
• Ongoing investigations into structures, ground stability and turf.
• Public liability insurance, which is due for renewal on June 30.
• The potential for insurance payouts not to cover the total cost of repairs.
• The complexity of a programme that would include full turf renovation, repairs to buildings - some of it structural - and enhancements needed to meet Cup specifications.
• The availability of labour, equipment and materials, and the need to push through consents.
• Securing funding for uninsured damage to the turf.
