Mayor David Ogden has welcomed the announcement Hutt City will host the Tongan rugby team during the 2011 Rugby World Cup. 
"We are delighted to host Tonga, which is one of the emerging nations of world rugby.
"Tonga will train at the Hutt Recreation Ground from 25 September to 1 October 2011.
"It will be a wonderful opportunity, maybe once in a lifetime, for local people to be up close to some of the stars of the game with the World Cup as a backdrop.
"No doubt there will be economic benefits as well, with supporters from Tonga and Tongans living in New Zealand expected to travel to Hutt City to support their team.
"It will also be an opportunity to promote Hutt City to a global audience of many millions.
"In anticipation of hosting a team, the council has budgeted $350,000 to upgrade the Hutt Recreation Ground in 2010 so it meets Rugby World Cup standards to be a training ground.
"Planning will also begin in earnest to organise events based around the Rugby World Cup.
"I note that Tonga is in the same pool as the All Blacks and France, so I hope they can assist us in the early elimination of France from the competition.
"2011 Rugby World Cup - bring it on!"
Source: Voxy