Earthquake Closes Christchurch Rugby Stadium

(ATR) Stadium operators will decide next month whether Christchurch’s share of the Rugby World Cup must be taken elsewhere.

AFP reported Friday that venue manager Vbase will receive reports March 15 assessing the status of AMI stadium in the wake of a 6.3-magnitude earthquake that struck Tuesday, killing at least 113 and leaving more than 200 more missing.

""We've got minor repairable structural damage, substantial damage to the surrounding streets and likely to services infrastructure," Vbase CEO Bryan Pearson told the French news agency.

"We've also got liquefaction inside the stadium including on the playing surface."

Pearson added the venue will remain closed until at least March 15, meaning the Canterbury Crusaders will play the first two "home" games of their Super 15 rugby season more than 400km away in Nelson.

Reports from New Zealand media indicate bubbles up to half a meter high could render Christchurch’s pitch unplayable for at least five-and-a-half months. Play kicks off in less than seven.

The newly renovated stadiumhas a capacity of nearly 40,000 and is due to host five pool matches as well as two quarterfinals during what will be the largest event ever staged in New Zealand.

The World Cup opener in Christchurchis the Sept. 10 clash of pool powerhouses England and Argentina. It'sa headliner the tournament’s chief organizer has insisted will be played somewhere in New Zealand, if not in Christchurch.

Prime Minister John Key expressed similar optimism this week as well, suggesting there could be symbolism in sport should Christchurch be able to host elite rugby come September.

"It's some way into the future [but] it's a very important city to New Zealand," he said Wednesday at a press conference.

"It would be a demonstration Christchurch is back up on its feet."

The Cup is spread among 12 cities on both the North and South islands with Christchurch joining Auckland and Wellington as its three main hosts.

Rugby Union of Japan Readies Donation

Japanese rugby is reaching out to victims of the Christchurch quake and will raise money on their behalf.

"The Japan and New Zealand rugby unions have a strong bond and we feel the deepest sympathy for the families and friends of the earthquake victims," Japan Rugby Football Union chairman Nobby Mashimo told Reuters on Friday.

"While it appears there may be several Japanese people among the victims, our hearts go out to all involved and they are very much in our thoughts."

A minute of silence will open this weekend’s Japan Cup final in Tokyo, and a donation will be presented to New Zealand's ambassador to Japan at halftime. Collections from the crowd will bolster the JRFU’s gift.

Written by Matthew Grayson.