Thinking about taking your favourite car parts, trumpet, bagpipes, umbrella, fan banner or shirt, mobile phone or bike to the RWC matches? think again. You risk having them confiscated at the gate.

In the absence of a national religion the sport of rugby is taken very seriously in New Zealand, where strict regulations are in force to ensure supporters of visiting teams can do little to bolster their side’s spirits, keep warm or retain the contents of their wallets.

The message is simple: Sit still, shut up and watch the match. Is it surprising that so many tickets remain unsold?

Prohibited Items at RWC Games

Some are common sense, others perhaps a tad too far? others very much welcome!

• Food other than a small amount of non-commercial food for personal consumption, such as sandwiches or fruit
• Commercially produced takeaway food such as McDonalds, Burger King, KFC, Subway, pizza etc
• Alcohol and/or illegal or illicit substances
• Bottles, glass, cans, thermos flasks, any breakable container, drink bottles (whether unopened/sealed or not)
• Hard cool boxes, chilly bins, cooler bags, picnic baskets, large bags (bags must be soft-sided and fit under your seat)
• Air horns or sound amplifiers including loudhailers
• Vuvuselas
• Musical instruments, whistles
• Prams, strollers, pushchairs
• Umbrellas
• Animals other than guide dogs
• Flares, fireworks, laser lights/pointers, smoke bombs
• Compressed gas containers, aerosols
• High visibility vests or jackets (except for vests or jackets required by police, venue security or emergency services)
• Gang patches and/or regalia
• Weapons including knives
• Skateboards, roller blades, scooters, bicycles
• Furniture, chairs or stools of any kind (including portable seating)
• Car parts
• Flags with flag sticks/poles of more than 800mm in length.
• Any radio transmitting device that does not hold a RWC 2011 Radio Permit and/or that may cause interference with legitimate Tournament operational radio equipment
• Sponsorship, promotional or commercial items or materials (of whatever nature, including banners, signs or flags containing branding) (except where these have the prior written authorisation of Rugby World Cup Limited – you may be asked to deliver up a copy of any such authorisation)
• Banners, signs or materials displaying political, religious, offensive or race-related messages, slogans or images or that are obscene or abusive
• Banners, signs or flags that RNZ 2011 determines are too large to be displayed or used safely and/or without obstruction to any entrance way, signage or the sightlines of any person.
• Any camera or other type of photographic or recording device (of any nature whatsoever) other than personal, non-commercial use
• Any item that is dangerous, hazardous and/or illegal or that may be used as a weapon or a missile
• Any item that may compromise or otherwise interfere with the enjoyment, comfort or safety of (or pose a hazard to) any person or security at the venue
• Any other item that RNZ 2011 determines (in its absolute discretion) may cause injury or public nuisance or inconvenience to any other person.

However, once inside the ground you can buy cans of beer in multiples of four and purchase food, drink and memorabilia to your heart’s content – all at a price of course.

In addition to the usual jokes about sheep and French cocks here’s what some jolly  rugby refs thought about the rugby world cup restrictions:

The musical instruemets ban seems to be an attempt to prevent an atmosphere building. Why? Don’t they like music? What’s wrong with Vuvuzelas? They make a lot of noise and help build a good big game feel to thins. The iRB are sure the most boring people on Earth

I agree – the irish have long had drums, the french trumpets and they add to the atmosphere. the vuvuzelas at the football did get a bit tiresome, but I don’t think there is a need to ban them. I can’t imagine more than a few south africans bringing them, and good luck to them if they did. the IRB will be banning hakas next

I’m pleased about the vuvuzelas prohibition, but lets be fair we’re not in SA, so it won’t be an issue. But proper musical instruments? (i.e. ones that play more than 6 different notes) What’s a Scotland game without a piper wandering around!!! (An England game basically!)

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The Irishman, who has lived in New Zealand since 1986, sent an email to organisers last month, but was told the traditional musical instrument from his homeland was a “prohibited item”… more here