Auckland Regional Council (ARC) is looking forward to Mt Smart Stadium's Rugby World Cup 2011 role as a training venue for Fiji and Ireland, from the grassroots community involvement to the investment in facilities.

Rugby New Zealand 2011 today announced the training venues for the pool and knockout phases of the tournament, with Mt Smart confirmed for both stages and as the team training base for Ireland from 12 to 17 September and Fiji from 18 to 25 September.

Michael Barnett, Chair of the ARC's Mt Smart Special Committee, says the stadium will proudly play its part in Auckland hosting the world's third-biggest sporting event.

"We know that having Rugby World Cup come to our town in 2011 will deliver up to $267 million in direct economic benefits to the region, along with the significant boost to infrastructure development, such as roading and rail upgrades," he says.

"But it's things like open sessions at places like Mt Smart, where the public will be able to see the teams train and kids can get autographs, that will give local communities great access and a sense of celebration.

"For the stadium, the Rugby World Cup is also an opportunity to improve some aspects of its facilities, which will be of lasting benefit to the city beyond the tournament's final whistle."

Mt Smart Stadium will first play host to Fiji and Ireland in pool play, then watch the results unfold like the rest of the world to see which teams win through to the semi-finals and final. Host venues will be part of Rugby World Cup's "adopt a second team" programme, with welcoming ceremonies for visiting teams and open training sessions. Work will start next September on re-turfing the Arena No. 2 training field, so that all Mt Smart facilities meet the requirements expected of training venues for RWC 2011. The ARC has already budgeted for this work in 2010.

People can visit www.auckland2011.com for more information on the Auckland region's preparations for Rugby World Cup.