Nation’s Biggest Boots to take on Air New Zealand in Chch

Media release
5 October 2012

Nation’s Biggest Boots set to take on Air New Zealand all black 777-300 in Christchurch

New Zealand’s top provincial rugby placekickers are heading to Christchurch on Sunday 14 October, to line up next to the all black Boeing 777-300, for a competition to find New Zealand’s Biggest Boot.

The Biggest Boot event is a celebration of Air New Zealand’s sponsorship of provincial rugby and the All Blacks. All Blacks squad members and around 800 rugby fans are expected at the invitation-only event and a planeload of Air New Zealand staff supporters will be flying from Auckland to Christchurch, onboard the all black 777-300, to cheer on the provincial placekickers.

The 26 provincial rugby unions were each able to select their best placekicking talent to travel to Christchurch to represent their province in The Biggest Boot. Provincial representatives will compete against each other in a knockout competition where they will attempt to kick the length of the 73m aircraft, or further if they can. The eventual winner will be named The Biggest Boot and will win the grand prize of a trip for two to see the All Blacks take on England in November’s Air New Zealand European Tour, as well as attend the All Blacks Captains’ Training Run at Twickenham the day before the big game.

Air New Zealand’s Head of Sponsorship, James Gibson, is excited at the prospect of seeing just how far some of the best provincial boots can kick and whether any can beat the length of the airline’s longest aircraft.

“There’s some great provincial rivalry between the 26 provinces being represented and it will be awesome to see their best placekickers lined up next to the all black 777-300 and see who will reign supreme as New Zealand’s Biggest Boot.

“It is also the first-ever visit to Christchurch for the all black 777-300, as it normally services the Auckland-Los Angeles-London route, so it will be a great opportunity to showcase this stunning aircraft to a city that has such a history and a passion for our national game,” says Gibson.

New Zealand Rugby Union Chief Executive Steve Tew says, “The NZRU is thrilled to be able to partner with major sponsor Air New Zealand on an event that celebrates grassroots provincial rugby, as provincial rugby holds a special place in the heart of New Zealanders and is where our future All Blacks shine.”

The MC for The Biggest Boot event will be celebrated New Zealand TV sports personality John McBeth and local linesman and ball boys will be on hand to ensure the competition is a sporting one.

Thank you to Z Energy and Christchurch International Airport Limited for supporting this event.

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