ABSTRACT
Neoliberalism is hegemonic as a mode of discourse. This chapter highlights the manner in which dimensions of sport-related competitiveness are used to reinforce neoliberal agendas. It discusses the hosting of the 2010 RWC before examining the Dunedin stadium development. The fusion of urban entrepreneurialism with the neo-liberal political agenda has provided the ideological justification for place-competitive reimaging strategies including the hosting of mega-events and stadia development. In November 2005 the governing body for international rugby the International Rugby Board (IRB) accepted New Zealand's bid to host the Rugby World Cup (RWC) 2011 ahead of a proposal from Japan. Stadia development as a form of regional development is essentially a zero-sum game in the long-term. Yet such is the strength of neoliberal discourses of competitiveness that alternative strategies are often not fully examined, particularly as they often stress more of the public interest as opposed to the private.
