Trans-Tasman relations remain fraught despite resignation

A feud between New Zealand and Australia over the staging of the 2011 rugby World Cup showed no signs of going away yesterday despite the resignation of the chairman of Australian rugby's governing body over the row.

The New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) is upset neighbour Australia publicly backed Japan's bid for the 2011 rugby World Cup.

New Zealand won the right to host the event despite the Australia Rugby Union's (ARU) snub.

At an acrimonious meeting on Thursday, Dilip Kumar stood down as ARU chairman as a result of the uproar in New Zealand, Australian media reported.

NZRU chief executive Chris Moller had indicated last month there would be repercussions for the ARU over its vote for Japan after earlier appearing to support New Zealand's bid, and media in Australia yesterday said that had motivated the Queensland board members to seek Kumar's removal.

In a statement the NZRU reaffirmed its concerns regarding the ARU's decision not to support New Zealand's bid.

NZRU chairman Jock Hobbs said: "Despite some previous media comment, our concern was that the ARU board chose to support Japan in the RWC 2011 vote.

"So, from that perspective, the resignation of Mr Kumar does not change our position nor alleviate our concerns about the ARU's decision," Hobbs said in a statement.