Bay of Plenty Rugby has kick-started a major campaign to bring the 2011 Rugby World Cup to the province, hoping to cap a monumental year.

The union will also celebrate its centenary in 2011, and wants to create a legacy in the community for years to come.

With funding from both Rotorua and Tauranga local authorities, the union has advertised for a bid manager to spend the next six months selling the province to World Cup organising body Rugby New Zealand 2011.

"We do have a successful history in hosting the big events," BOPRU bid coordinator Mike Rogers said.

"The big thing is it's not just about rugby _ it's about creating a legacy for the community. We believe it will be a huge positive impact on the community, rather than just hosting a game or team. Rugby will benefit directly from that but the wider community will also benefit as well."

The tournament will be divided into four , with three regionally-based pools and a national pool featuring the All Blacks.

Rogers thinks the Bay bid will appeal to organisers, given its proximity to Auckland.

"When you look at stadia and population, it makes sense that a pool will be based in the northern region, but it also makes sense that a number of those national games will be hosted in the northern region as well.

"For teams, Tauranga and Rotorua become an attractive place to stay in and base themselves."

The contracted bid manager will submit the first proposal in July, but is likely to keep working until the final decision, which is expected near the end of the year.

Although Rotorua and Tauranga councils are funding the position, the union isn't limiting the geographical spread of the bid.

"The relationship between the Rotorua and Tauranga councils is firmly established now, while Whakatane and Western Bay are also in the loop. We're also talking with Taupo and King Country rugby about whether they want to be involved.

"We've got two stadiums that can host World Cup fixtures, potentially three with Owen Delaney Park, Taupo, and we've got a number of cities or towns that can host teams as well."

There are several local connections that Bay of Plenty can use as sweeteners for World Cup teams _ Steamers coaches Kevin Schuler and Steve Miln have strong links with Japan; Wales coach Warren Gatland has a bach at Waihi Beach; and newly-appointed England manager Martin Johnson has property here.

Tonga would also be a natural fit, with current national captain Nili Latu and frontrowers Taufa'ao Filise and Aleki Lutui former Steamers.

As well as the successful Lions tour opener in 2005, Rotorua also hosted the playoff for third and fourth at the inaugural 1987 World Cup.

Martin Snedden, chief executive of Rugby New Zealand 2011, revealed last week there are not enough hotel rooms in Auckland to cope with the influx of visitors, particularly on the weekend when Eden Park hosts both semifinals.

To cope with demand, cruise ships could be used as floating hotels and fans could be forced to stay as far away as Tauranga and then bussed in.

Rogers has no doubt the Bay bid can make it work.

"It's going to be a big task but with the tourism infrastructure we've got in place, we're in great shape."