New research published by credit card firm MasterCard International has found that Rugby World Cup (RWC) 2011 could deliver a major boot to the international sports economy.

The Economic Impact Report on Global Rugby: Part IV Abridged was compiled by the Centre for the International Business of Sport (CIBS) at Coventry University, UK. According to the research, the tournament currently being held in New Zealand will generate US$1.67bn (£1.1bn, EUR1.2bn) for the global sports economy.

Meanwhile, overseas visitors to the event will deliver US$654m (£413m, EUR473m) for the New Zealand economy, with further associated economic activity expected by 2020. It is the fourth instalment in MasterCard's research, following reports on the 2010 Six Nations and Tri-Nations Rugby events and April's report on rugby's Emerging Markets.

CIBS researcher Dave Arthur said: "This tournament will be like no other: it will attract stronger than ever interest across the world, which will in turn boost commercial interest in and activity around the event." Image: Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin - one of the RWC 2011 venues