Sevens scheduling rules Dunedin out

Dunedin has ruled itself out of the race to host next year’s sevens, with city officials saying the tournament dates do not fall inside the calendar for its student population.

New Zealand Rugby (NZR) was considering whether to allow Wellington to remain the host venue for the New Zealand leg of the Sevens World Series.

Around two-thirds of Westpac Stadium sat empty during January’s twoday tournament, contributing to the event’s second ever financial loss in its 18-year history in the capital.

Just how much money was lost was not yet known, however NZR chief executive Steve Tew, described it as significant and that any loss demanded attention.

He confirmed that NZR was in discussions with ‘‘a handful’’ of other potential host cities, but would not reveal who they were, citing commercial sensitivity.

Dunedin City Council spokesman Graham McKerracher said that while the city was ‘‘initially interested’’ in the tournament, the dates made it unsuitable.

‘‘The main reason is the scheduling of the tournament falls when University of Otago students are still on summer break,’’ McKerracher said.

For that reason, the council could not guarantee big spectator numbers if the tournament was held at Forsyth Barr Stadium.

Dunedin Mayor Dave Cull could not be reached for comment.

NZR was close to completing a review of the Wellington event, the results of which were expected next week.

Auckland, Hamilton and Christchurch were thought to be among those interested in hosting the event.

Wellington Mayor Justin Lester refused to say whether he wanted to retain the tournament.