LOCAL ORGANISERS IN Queenstown, New Zealand, have downplayed reports that they are upset by the Irish Rugby World Cup squad’s reluctance to participate in their programme of community events.
Last night, Queenstown Lakes tournament coordinator Jono Sutherland told TheScore.ie that his comments were taken out of context and that the local community are “delighted and excited to welcome the Irish team.”
A report in Thursday’s Irish Examiner indicated that Sutherland and his colleagues were disappointed that the Irish team were not participating in all of the organised events, a claim which IRFU spokesperson Karl Richardson dismissed.
Ireland are one of four teams who will be based in the south-western resort town, along with England, Romania and Georgia.
During their stay, each team has been asked to participate in a number of community-based events, but according to Sutherland, the details of the programme are yet to be finalised.
“Comments reported earlier this week in New Zealand were out of context,” he said. “In actual fact, we have yet to finalise community engagement details with any teams visiting Queenstown Lakes.”
“What we can confirm is that the Irish team will be publicly welcomed by our community at Queenstown Airport and the team will attend a civic welcome which will again be attended by our community chosen by public ballot.
We are delighted and excited to welcome the Irish team.
After this afternoon’s final warm-up game against England, Declan Kidney and his men depart for New Zealand on Tuesday.
– Additional reporting by Niall Kelly
