Rugby union bosses have announced that the 2011 World Cup final will be held at Auckland’s Eden Park. The venue, which hosted the inaugural World Cup final in 1987, has a capacity of 45,472 but that will be increased to 60,000 ahead of the tournament.

The final will take place on the weekend of 22/23 October.

Meanwhile, the International Rugby Board will decide later this year whether to reduce the number of teams from 20 to 16 in 2011.

The World Cup has had a 20-team format since 1999 but has regularly seen mismatches in the first round.

“It is envisaged a decision on this will be made in October,” said IRB chairman Syd Millar.

The New Zealand government has also announced that school terms will be changed in 2011 to allow as many people as possible to watch the final.

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