New Zealand was awarded the hosting rights after voting by the International Rugby Board council in Dublin, Ireland.

South Africa was eliminated in the first ballot, leaving New Zealand and Japan to battle it out in the second round.

New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark and Sport and Recreation Minister Trevor Mallard said New Zealand supporters and rugby fans around the world have much to look forward to after the announcement.

Clark took part in the final bid presentation to the International Rugby Board in Dublin, along with New Zealand Rugby Union Chairman Jock Hobbs and Chief Executive Chris Moller, All Blacks legend Colin Meads and All Blacks captain Tana Umaga.

"It is an enormous vote of confidence in our country's ability to host major events, and also shows the important role that small countries like New Zealand can play in international sporting events," said Clark.

New Zealand hosted and won the inaugural World Cup in 1987 but failed to win its sub-hosting rights in 2003.

New Zealand, considered a long way behind in the betting going into Friday's vote, based its bid on the emotional appeal of a country where rugby is unquestionably the No 1 sport. Enditem