Pansy Wong MP National Party Ethnic Affairs Spokeswoman

23 September 2007

Wong welcomes PLA's love affair with rugby

National's Ethnic Affairs spokeswoman, Pansy Wong, is thrilled that China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) has fallen in love with our national game.

"Rugby has been declared the official game of the PLA, who will be playing several games during their inaugural visit to New Zealand this week.

"Their visit is a highlight in the celebrations marking 35 years of the establishment of diplomatic relations between our two countries," says Mrs Wong.

The PLA team is playing against the NZ Royal Navy team in a curtain-raiser match for the North Harbour vs Southland match on Friday 28 September, 5pm at North Harbour Stadium.

The team will also play two games against the airforce and army teams.

"It will be a great opportunity to educate Chinese Kiwis about the game and its rules so they can embrace the Rugby World Cup spirit.

"Imagine the future of rugby if the world's most populated country gets behind the game."

ENDS