Canterbury Covers Up Kaitangata Rugby Girls

1 September 2004

Canterbury International Covers Up Kaitangata Rugby Girls

The women of Otago’s Crescent Rugby Football Club no longer have to take their clothes off to fundraise for new team jerseys thanks to a generous donation from Canterbury International.

The rugby girls of Kaitangata hit the headlines this week with the announcement they would be snapped in their lingerie and nightwear for a 2005 calendar to fundraise for new jerseys.

The team had no jerseys of its own, and had been wearing the now disbanded golden oldies team’s kit.

Upon hearing of the team’s plight, Canterbury International – proud sponsors of rugby at all levels – donated a full set of 23 jerseys for the team.

Canterbury International’s General Manager New Zealand, Russell Lamond, says the company is more than happy to help out.

“We had heard the girls were finding it difficult playing in the men’s jerseys which were miles too big for them. We already support a number of rugby teams and the sport’s a major part of our business.”

The team’s spokesperson Gail Phillips says they are “absolutely stoked” with the donation.

“This makes a huge difference, we are a small club with no major sponsors. The girls will be absolutely rapt they won’t be playing with jerseys down by their knees anymore,” says Gail Phillips.

Gail Phillips says the team will still distribute the calendars, which are currently being printed but the money will be used for other things.

Russell Lamond says Canterbury International is especially pleased to be of assistance to the women’s division of the Crescent Rugby Football Club.

“It is a growing sector in the sport and we are really proud to be getting involved. New Zealand women’s rugby has already had success on the international stage and who knows…the Kaitangata players might be the superstars of tomorrow.”

ENDS

© Scoop Media