By Tintswalo Baloyi
JOHANNESBURG, (CAJ News) - ORGANISERS of the just-ended International Rugby Board World Cup have hailed the success of the tournament.

In a statement, IRB Chairman, Bernard Lapasset said the seventh edition of the tournament was an outstanding success.

“New Zealand 2011 will be remembered as an exceptional Rugby World Cup. It has been a Tournament where New Zealand’s rich culture and heritage has gone hand in hand with Rugby’s tradition and values.

"New Zealanders should be proud of their event. They made it special by embracing the tournament the length and breadth of the country, welcoming all 20 teams and 100 000 international visitors with open arms. It was quite remarkable.

"New Zealand 2011 has positioned the country as a major event host, a superb tourism destination and a great country. It has also taken our sport to new audiences and has set the bar for future hosts,” he Lapasset said.

Tournament organiser Rugby New Zealand 2011 today thanked the people of New Zealand for the way they embraced the seventh Rugby World Cup and contributed to its success.

“New Zealand has done itself proud. Rugby fans, even those with a passing interest in the game have dressed up, painted their faces and turned each match into a true festival of rugby. Others have gone to Fanzones, enjoyed REAL New Zealand Festival events and given our visitors the best of welcomes.

“We promised a stadium of four million great fans and hosts and without a doubt New Zealand has delivered. None of this would have been possible without the passion and dedication of an army of people across New Zealand,” said RNZ 2011 Chairman Brian Roche.

New Zealand beat France 8-7 in the final.