Bay measures up to expectations | Hawkes Bay News | Local News in Hawkes Bay

Part of the Japanese World Cup Rugby requirements for their Hawke's Bay stay next year is likely to result in a few photos being taken for the region's soccer history book.

Bluewater Stadium, the footballing home of Napier City Rovers and Hawke's Bay United, will receive new markings and new goalposts as part of the requirements for the Japanese national team.

"They'll be putting rugby goalposts up," Rugby World Cup 2011 Hawke's Bay events manager Peter Mooney said.

Along with the region's co-ordination group manager Ross Bramwell and RWC team services co-ordinator Tom Waterhouse, Mr Mooney spent last Saturday with Japan Team manager Takenori Omura as they carried out a flying visit of what the Bay had to offer the Japanese squad.

"Mr Omura was at the end of a four-day visit out here - he had been through Hamilton, Wellington and Whangarei where the team will also be playing."

While his visit to the Bay was whistlestop stuff, he took a lot of notes, asked astute questions and went away satisfied.

"He seemed pretty happy with what he saw."

The group looked over the accommodation for the team and a venue for team meetings, as well as the soccer stadium and gymnasium facilities at the Pettigrew-Green Arena.

They also checked out the Onekawa Aquatic Centre and sites for intensive running programmes.

"He went over every little detail," Mr Mooney said.

And while the visit was a short one he gave the thumbs up and a smile to the region's food - the group's lunch at the Mission capped a good day for Mr Omura.

A French World Cup Rugby management officer is expected in about a month's time.