World Cup ticket sales boost Christchurch NRL hopes

Christchurch’s new stadium is set to be the first sold-out venue at this year’s World Cup, boosting New Zealand’s push for a second NRL team. Officials released 1,000 additional tickets for the October 25 double header, which had previously sold out: New Zealand vs. Cook Islands in the men’s game and the Kiwi Ferns vs. France in the women’s match. Overall World Cup ticket sales are up on past editions, with more than 140,000 sold across the tournament. The city joins Wellington and Hamilton as candidate hosts for a potential 20th NRL team from 2029.