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Deadline New Zealand risks losing 2003 World CupPosted: Thursday February 28, 2002 9:40 AMLONDON (AP) -- Rugby Union's world governing body has given New Zealand a deadline to agree to plans for next year's World Cup or face the likelihood of losing its position as co-host with Australia. The Kiwis, who are to stage 23 of the 48 World Cup games, are in a dispute with the International Rugby Board because they want their domestic competition, the National Provincial Championship, to go ahead in October and November even through they clash with the World Cup. The IRB sent counter proposals to the New Zealand Rugby Union and has given it until Monday to agree. "They have five days to agree and sign up," an IRB spokeswoman, who was not identified, told The Times of London. "One option would be to remove them from hosting the tournament, leaving Australia to host the World Cup on its own. That would a decision for the directors of RWC (Rugby World Cup)." The Times quoted David Rutherford as saying he hoped there would still be an agreement. "Originally, the IRB wanted the NPC either canceled in 2003 or completely moved to another time," he said. "That would be disastrous for New Zealand rugby as the competition is the backbone of our game. "I am confident of resolution on the NPC matters provided a reasonable approach is taken all round."
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