According to reports in the New Zealand Herald, the USA rugby team has had a quick change of heart about their welcome to Wanganui, where they will be training.

The team had been invited to enter the town on a waka, a traditional Maori canoe.

The team had originally (according to reports) rejected the idea because they were concerned about "safety and sxecurity."

But within as day they've changed their minds. Wanganui Mayor Annette Main welcomed the Eagles' change of tune, saying it meant a lot to the community.

"It is clear that, when they initially decided not to take part, the Eagles had not realised that the waka trip is an integral part of the welcome ceremony at Putiki Marae on September 4.

"Now that they have a better understanding of the cultural nature of the ceremony and the importance of the Whanganui River to our community, they have confirmed that they will be honoured to join the waka trip," Main told the Herald.

The team will take part in an invitation-only powhiri at Putiki which will include the presentation of the team's official RWC caps.

Following the ceremony they will travel on the waka from Putiki to the Waimarie berth.

Mayor Main said she hoped as many people as possible would be on the riverbank to welcome the team to Wanganui.