Super Stage For Anzac Match

New Zealand Defence Force
Te Ope Kaatua O Aotearoa
Media Release
23 April 2009

Super Stage For Anzac Match

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Image Caption: The Major General Lou Gardiner Cup will be presented to the winning team in the Anzac Rugby match. The Cup is intended to be played for on a regular, travelling basis between the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps in the spirit of "comrades on the battlefield and competitors in the rugby field," says Major General Gardiner.

The New Zealand Army and Royal New Zealand Air Force are pairing up with the Wellington Hurricanes this Saturday to commemorate Anzac Day using the country’s national sport.

The Hurricanes Super 14 game at Westpac Stadium is fittingly against the Australian Capital Territory’s Brumbies and a curtain-raiser will see the New Zealand Army playing an Australian Army team.

The Chief of Army Major General Lou Gardiner says the curtain-raiser continues to forge the close ties between the Australian and New Zealand Army’s.

“The match is a great way to cap off what is a significant day for veterans, the New Zealand and Australian Defence Forces and all New Zealanders,” says Major General Gardiner.

The Chief of Army will also present the Major General Lou Gardiner Cup to the winning team in the Anzac Rugby match.

The Cup is intended to be played for on a regular, travelling basis between the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps in the spirit of "comrades on the battlefield and competitors in the rugby field," says Major General Gardiner.

“Anzac Day provides the opportunity to remember those lost during WWI and those fallen in all wars since then; their courage, commitment, comradeship and integrity,” Major General Gardiner says.

“This Anzac spirit continues today as the New Zealand Defence Force work alongside Australian Defence personnel on numerous operations and exercises around the world.”

The 7 Wellington Hawke’s Bay Territorial Force Battalion Band is providing pre-match entertainment and the state-of-the-art Light Armoured Vehicle (LAV) will flank the Stadium field.

In recognition of Anzac Day the Army will also provide gun salutes from a L118 105mm Light Gun and the last post and reveille will be played.

To conclude the military theme of the day a Royal New Zealand Air Force Iroquois helicopter will drop off the match ball for kick off.

ENDS

Note. To commemorate Anzac Day the New Zealand Rugby Union is giving away free tickets to returned servicemen and women and current NZDF personnel to recognise and honour their service.

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