The New Zealand government stepped into a dispute over the 2003 World Cup today, with Sports Minister Trevor Mallard flying to Australia to put his country's case forward after it was dropped as co-host of the event.
The New Zealand Rugby Football Union (NZRFU) has said it will appeal against last week's decision by the International Rugby Board (IRB) and the Rugby World Cup Ltd (RWC), to withdraw an invitation to co-host the event with Australia.
Mallard flew into Sydney for a meeting with IRB chairman Vernon Pugh and was also scheduled to hold a telephone conference with his Australian counterpart Rod Kemp.
RWC has given the Australian Rugby Union (ARU) 21 days to prepare a submission to host rugby's showpiece alone.
New Zealand's invitation was withdrawn after a series of disagreements, one of which was their ability to deliver "clean" venues free of local advertising and sponsors.
There was also concern over a clash between the early stages of the World Cup and New Zealand's National Provincial Championship.
NZRFU signed a sub-host agreement last week but attached a series of conditions that the IRB and RWC found unacceptable.
The ARU said it will continue working on its bid to host the tournament alone despite Mallard's visit.
Australia plans to present its solo hosting plan to the RWC board in Cardiff next week.