French statue to be presented to Canterbury Rugby

October 19, 2011

French statue to be presented to Canterbury Rugby

A 2.3m high statue entitled “L’Enjeu” – translated means “At Stake” is to be presented to the Canterbury Rugby Football Union today.

Designed by French plastic visual artist Laurence Bonnel, the 320kg resin sculpture was designed to embody “les amoureux du rugby” ( “The Rugby Lovers”).

Bonnel, who designed the statue for the 2011 Rugby World Cup, said she wanted to gift her art piece to the Canterbury Rugby Union, as a solidarity symbol after the unfortunate Christchurch region earthquakes.

The statue depicts strength, motion and physical integrity. The 15 players in the statue embody team spirit, the spirit of the game and unity with the movement of the player’s body creating an impression of team dynamics and unity.

Hamish Riach, chief executive of the Canterbury Rugby Union, said that the sculpture is a wonderful gesture from les amourex du rugby, and is a striking symbol of support for the people of Christchurch following the devasting earthquakes of the last year.

“The fact that this breathtaking statue is being presented to Canterbury rugby in the week when rugby is in the forefront of so many French and New Zealanders' minds leading up to the Rugby World Cup 2011 final, makes the gift particularly poignant and memorable,” he said.

“L’Enjeu” was created in France and shipped to New Zealand.

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