22 Dec 2017

NZR set for big payday

8:32 am on 22 December 2017

New Zealand Rugby are set to profit $37 million from the 2023 World Cup in France.

President of the French bid Claude Atcher (left) and French rugby President Bernard Laporte pose with the trophy after France was named to host the 2023 Rugby World Cup.

President of the French bid Claude Atcher (left) and French rugby President Bernard Laporte pose with the trophy after France was named to host the 2023 Rugby World Cup. Photo: AFP

Despite voting for South Africa to host the tournament in a recent ballot, NZR will receive the payment following France's promise to World Rugby that it will produce a financial return over $670 million.

Britain's Telegraph newspaper reported that the 10 tier one nations will share 369 million between them from World Rugby because of the decision to stage the 2023 World Cup in France.

The remainder of the money will be invested into tier two and tier three countries and to develop the game in markets such as Germany, Brazil, China, India and the USA.

Before last month's vote, an independent panel recommended South Africa host the tournament ahead of France and Ireland but the two-vote system involving the rugby playing nations swung in France's favour.

New Zealand Rugby chief executive Steve Tew openly admitted he voted for South Africa but congratulated France on their intensive lobbying that won them the tournament.

-RNZ/Telegraph