THE IRB HAS said it will deal with recent concerns expressed by New Zealand relating to the heavy financial toll the country has taken from hosting this year’s Rugby World Cup, according to Reuters.

The head of the New Zealand Rugby Union federation, Steve Tew, had previously indicated that a boycott of the 2015 World Cup was an option they would consider, as he claims the competition’s current structure causes them to lose too much money.

Under the current rules, the All Blacks’ schedule for the Tri Nations and the November games against European opposition is heavily disrupted.

Tew told New Zealand radio:

“In the current environment, we just can’t afford to run a World Cup-year loss, nor do we think it’s necessary.”

He added that the chance of the side competing in 2015 was “very slim”.

And following Tew’s remarks, the IRB released a statement, which promised to look into New Zealand’s complaints, and noted:

“All tournament commercial revenues are re-invested by the IRB across its 117 member Unions during the four-year cycle between tournaments to increase competitiveness and advance development in order that rugby can be a truly global sport.”

England will be the venue for the 2015 Rugby World Cup, with Japan set to host the event in 2019.

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