Rugby fans not in danger from fire

Supporters who attended the Tonga vs. Japan World Cup match earlier today were not under threat from a nearby fire, a tournament official has confirmed.

The blaze, which started ten minutes before the end of the match, was ignited in the grounds of the Northland Event Centre.

The New Zealand Fire Service quickly contained the fire, which was extinguished within a few minutes of fire appliances arriving on the scene.

"We were quickly informed by emergency services who work alongside us at all RWC 2011 match venues so we were able to swiftly determine whether there were any implications for the patrons, the match and venue," said organiser Nigel Cass.

"Fortunately in this case, there was no threat. The incident showed the processes we have developed to collectively deal with risks of this nature worked well."

Tonga won the match, defeating Japan 31-18.