Earth Quake won't affect Rugby World Cup says organisers

Despite the catastrophic earthquake in Christchurch,it has been announced by the Rugby World Cup organizers that tournament will go on per schedule and will not affect.

Tuesday's quake killed around 98 people that ripped through the South Island city, and the city was selected for 7 games to be played over there.

A number of hotels in the city has been destroyed due to quake, while the Lancaster Park Stadium has also sustained damage.

But New Zealand Prime Minister John Key is determined that Christchurch should host matches during the event to help aid in the city's recovery.

"Our preference is to hold the World Cup here if we can. We think it's a powerful message for Christchurch," Key said.

"The issue is really about accommodation ultimately. Clearly the Grand Chancellor is going to be demolished, if it doesn't fall over in its own right and we know other hotels like the Copthorne and stuff are very badly (damaged and) clearly won't be ready for the Rugby World Cup."

Fiji tourism looks to Rugby World Cup

We are only few days away from Rugby World Cup and Fiji is creating such strategy in which they are planning to attract rugby fans to visit Fiji before and after the tournament.

Tourism Fiji CEO, Josefa Tuamoto told the Fiji Live news site said the national tourist office was already working with key wholesalers in the UK and Europe to promote Fiji as the perfect pre and post Rugby World Cup destination.

The International Rugby Board (IRB) said it had brokered a contract between the Fiji's rugby union and government which should keep the Pacific island nation in this year's World Cup.

"The government's commitment to significant investment in Fiji's Rugby World Cup 2011 campaign (will) go ahead as previously planned," the IRB said in a statement on Saturday.

Giteau to head offshore after World Cup

After this year's Rugby World Cup,Wallaby star Matt Giteau will come to Europe to take up a deal with Toulon.

Fox Sports commentator Greg Clarke believes Matt Giteau's decision to play for Toulon could be the tip of the ice berg for other SANZAR players.

With French club Toulon,Matt will have 18 month deal following the conclusion of the Wallabies World Cup campaign.

Clarke says European clubs have several top players in their sights.

He says it remains to be seen how long Richie McCaw will stay in New Zealand.

Clarke says Australian rugby is in a good enough position position to cover the loss of Giteau with Quade Cooper and Berrick Barnes still in the mix.

Gareth Edwards backs coach Warren Gatland

Gareth Edwards forces Wales need to follow coach Warren Gatland and learn from the mistakes of their Six Nations opening lost against England on Friday.

England beat by Welsh in their opening 2005 and 2008 Six Nations and both years culminated in Grand Slam glory.

"We all realise the importance of the first Six Nations game," said Jones.

Against England in Cardiff on Friday,Jone will win his 96th cap, hopes the three-year cycle of Six Nations clean-sweeps continue in a vital year for Welsh rugby.

"It would be nice to complete the sequence," added Wales coach Gatland.

"2005, 2008 and 2011 and we couldn't think of a better start than England at home."

It is a must win game for us, it is huge," Jones told BBC Sport.

"And we spoke about what happened in 2005 and 2008. Momentum is key and we must be successful on Friday night."

Kiwis bet on cup boom

To New Zealand's struggling economy this year,Rugby World Cup will help creeping up their economy by NZ$700 million ($540-million) predicted by country's central bank chief.

"The September 9-October 23 tournament was set to lift economic growth by 0.33 percentage points," said reserve Bank of New Zealand governor Alan Bollard.

If the All Blacks win the World Cup for the second time,it would going to be benefit hugely to the state,generating increased confidence across the country said Bollard.

"Our expert team of forecasters predict that, on average, the All Blacks will beat Australia in the final at Eden Park, by 23.9 to 15.6," Bollard told a business function in Christchurch.

"This is very big by New Zealand standards, indicated by the fact that it will add one percentage point to growth in each of the next two years," he said.

Russia Won Rugby World Cup Warmup Match

South Canterbury province has beaten by the Russian national rugby team.To finish tour aimed at preparing it for the Rugby World Cup in New Zealand in September and October an unbeaten two-match victory has been achieved by the team.

Igor Galinovskiy and Mikhail Babaev added one each and Eugene Matveev scored two tries,Russia was awarded a penalty try in a convincing win over a which plays in New Zealand's second-tier provincial competition.

In the first match of its tour last week,Taranaki had been beaten by Russia.

The Russians are due to make their first presence at a Rugby World Cup this year and will play in Pool C beside Australia, Ireland, Italy and the United States.

England's World Cup strategy remains same

Rod expressed that despite the managerial changes currently taking place at Twickenham,England team strategy wouldn't be change in the forthcoming Rugby World Cup.

Andrew's position insisted to resigned as director of elite rugby and he has been forced to apply for the new position of rugby operations director.

It all happens after an extensive review by new Rugby Football Union chief executive John Steele.

Rod after the changes is now have to act as the new performance director of the team.

Andrew is happy with all the changes took place and that he is still close and engaged with England rugby team.

"I have a job to do now and I am doing that job. We will go where we go in the future." Andrew said.