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London - England manager Martin Johnson backed the decision to move Rugby World Cup matches from Christchurch on Wednesday, noting that organisers had been forced to take a difficult but correct decision.
England, who are preparing for a Six Nations Grand Slam decider against Ireland in Dublin this weekend, had initially planned to base themselves in quake-hit Christchurch for most of the tournament.
The 2003 World Cup winners were due to play two pool matches in the city, and may also have featured in one of the quarter-finals at the venue.
The quarter-finals scheduled for Christchurch have now been relocated to Auckland, but England are still awaiting word of where their pool matches against Argentina and Georgia will now take place.
British media reports have said this week that England are now likely to base themselves largely in Auckland.
"We feel for the people of Christchurch who are still suffering following the tragic earthquake," Johnson said.
"We know how keen they were to play a role in the World Cup and we were looking forward to being based there. But we accept this is the right decision for the tournament and for New Zealand based on all the expert advice.
"We are working closely with Rugby World Cup Limited to understand the possible options for our pool games and what that means for us in terms of a training base but understand the complexities involved so we are comfortable with a short delay while it is all being worked out.
"Once we are clear on the location of our pool games we will send someone out to recce the new training and match venues and accommodation. For now we are just focused on this weekend's (RBS 6 Nations) game in Dublin."
