Prime Minister John Key and Rugby World Cup Minister Murray McCully today addressed media speculation on which foreign dignitaries might attend the tournament.
Mr McCully would not confirm any attendees before dates had been set and governments had agreed to an announcement, but added: "I have seen arrangements being made that are consistent with some of those stories being correct".
Among those reported to pay a visit are Mr Cameron, French President Nicolas Sarkozy, Prince Albert II of Monaco, Russian President Dmitry Medvedev and Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper.
However, Mr Cameron was unlikely to attend unless England made the final, with Mr McCully saying: "I think that's right".
Mr McCully also poured cold water on speculation Mr Sarkozy would attend, saying he was not expecting to see the leader but would not rule out other high-level French attendees.
"If the French do well at the Rugby World Cup, and I think most New Zealanders understand that there is some potential for France to do well, then I'd expect very high-level visitation to New Zealand at that point later in the tournament."
Mr Key said Mr Sarkozy might attend if there was an All Blacks versus France final.
"You never know, you might find his Airbus A380 parked up at Auckland Airport. Nice plane, I'm told."
Other high-profile dignitaries are expected to attend after the end of the Pacific Islands Forum in Auckland on September 9 -- the day of the first cup match between the All Blacks and Tonga.
Those reported to be sticking around include United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, South African President Jacob Zuma, United States assistant secretary of state for Asia Kurt Campbell, Tongan Prime Minister Lord Siale'Ataonogo Tu'ivakano and Commonwealth Secretary-General Kamalesh Sharma.
Mr Key said an invitation had been extended to Mr Ban and he would hopefully attend.
"Signs are looking good, but we live in a world where things can change quite rapidly given the international environment. But I think we'll be in a fair position to confirm that by the end of the week."
Mr Ban would have a chance to speak at the forum and give his input into the post-forum dialogue, Mr Key said.
Mr McCully said the precise number of forum attendees going to the cup was not available.
"But suffice to say I don't think there will be too many of the Pacific leaders going home before the game on the Friday night."
The tournament would have a special Pacific flavour because it was hosted directly after the forum.
"This is as close as the Pacific nations will get to hosting a Rugby World Cup," he said.
"I think the fact that these are rugby playing, rugby loving nations in large measure will make this a very special event."
Mr McCully said the sums set aside for hosting visitors were probably more than sufficient and came out of existing funding.
Meanwhile, Christchurch rugby fans were to get their own special visitors after it was announced today that the Australian and English rugby teams would make a trip to the quake-battered city.
Both teams had been due to play matches in the city but the devastating February 22 earthquake meant the matches had to be moved to Auckland.
England team manager Martin Johnson and several team members would visit on September 7, while Australian coach Robbie Deans and team members would visit on September 28.
Rugby New Zealand 2011 chief operating officer Therese Walsh said activities would include visits to hospitals, schools, retirement villages and the Hagley Park fan zone.
"Their hearts have obviously gone out to Christchurch and what has happened," she said.
Also announced today were two of the four singers who would perform the national anthem at semifinal matches were.
Ms Walsh said singers Elizabeth Marvelly and Nick Afoa were both "fabulous New Zealand talents" who were passionate about rugby.
The announcement comes after Hayley Westenra and Will Martin were selected to perform the anthem at the final.
