World Cup security in place

Security measures already planned for next year's World Cup in southern Africa were sufficient to prevent incursions onto the playing area, organisers said on Wednesday.

The plans were disclosed after concerns prompted by incident during a rugby union international in Durban last weekend when a fan ran onto the pitch and tackled the referee, who suffered a dislocated shoulder.

All eleven grounds to be used during the tournament will be fitted with a raised steel and web-netting moat structure, 1.6 metres in width, similar to the one already in place at Supersport Park near Pretoria.

"Security personnel will be stationed at regular intervals around the boundary as well," World Cup communications director Rodney Hartman told Reuters. "Anyone attempting to get across will be immediately apprehended."

"These measures were signed off nine months ago but have only been publicised when questions were asked of us following the incident at the rugby."

Cricket has also had its problems, most recently when a spectator escorted India's leading batsman Sachin Tendulkar from the field during the first Test against England at Lord's last month.

Last year Australia all-rounder Michael Bevan was struck in the face by a full can of beer during the trophy presentations after a triangular series one-day final, again at Lord's.

The World Cup begins next February.

Mail Cricket Editor