The Australia Rugby Union today rejected a report claiming Australia and New Zealand might lose the 2003 World Cup to France due to arguments with the International Rugby Board (IRB) over TV rights and profits.
"To suggest that there are plans to move the World Cup to another host union is just completely without foundation," said ARU managing director John O'Neill.
The Sydney Morning Heraldnewspaper reported earlier talks between IRB chairman Vernon Pugh and O'Neill had stalled and that Pugh had ordered marketing company IMG to draw up contingency plans to move the tournament to Paris.
"We're astonished at the rumour. It's without substance, it's not true," O'Neill told reporters.
The Heraldreport said O'Neill had been agitating for a larger share of profits from Rugby World Cup, the company that holds the rights to the tournament.
It said Pugh, who is also chairman of Rugby World Cup, was prepared to assign more ticketing, television and marketing rights provided Australia and New Zealand paid for the privilege.
O'Neill would not be drawn on the specifics of recent talks with Pugh and Rugby World Cup but agreed Australia and New Zealand were seeking clarification on what costs the host nations and the governing bodies must pay.
"Clearly as with all negotiations they are robust and fairly forthright as we strive to achieve the best possible position for the Australian Rugby Union," O'Neill said.
- Reuters