New Zealand's Rugby community turned out in force on Friday for the announcement of the 23 centres that will host teams for Rugby World Cup 2011 (RWC 2011).

The event was attended by several former All Blacks who gave their support to the "Stadium of Four Million" philosophy and lauded the decision to bring the teams into Rugby's heartland.

To watch the video highlights from the Team Hosting Announcement, please click below:

Two former captains were particularly pleased with the news as their local Rugby clubs had been selected to host teams.

Sir Brian Lochore, All Black captain from 1966 to 1970, was proud to hear that Masterton would be hosting the top European qualifier at Soldiers and Cameron Memorial Park, the home ground of the Wairarapa Bush Rugby Club.

Lochore, who also coached the All Blacks to their victory at the first Rugby World Cup in 1987, has a long history with Wairarapa Bush, as a former player and coach for the regional side which has produced 29 All Blacks. Lochore is still actively involved as Life Member of the club.

"I just think it is really important that everybody gets a share of this World Cup...the fact that the whole of New Zealand is going to get involved with hosting World Cup teams is very important for New Zealand," he said.

Another All Black legend delighted with the news was Bryan (B.G.) Williams who has a strong association with the Ponsonby Rugby Club at Western Springs. Ponsonby is one of the oldest and most successful Rugby clubs in the Auckland region.

Williams is one of 43 All Blacks on the club honours board which also includes greats such as Andy Haden, Joe Stanley and Carlos Spencer and a number of Samoan internationals; as well as numerous Black Ferns, New Zealand Maori and New Zealand Age Grade representatives.

Following the announcement, Williams commented "I know that our club is very excited about hosting these teams. Many of our members are of Samoan and Tongan extraction and so we are really going to adopt those teams and look after them."