New Zealand Defence Force Rugby League Raise The Curtain

The New Zealand Defence Force rugby league team will play the Canterbury Maori league team as a curtain raiser to the Canterbury A vs. West Coast game on Sunday 26 September. The curtain raiser will start at 1pm at Rugby League Park, Addington, Christchurch.

The Defence Force team, selected yesterday after a week-long inter-service tournament which saw the Navy, Army and Air Force battle it out, hopes to continue the success they have had since they were formed in 1996. Recent highlights include playing in the National Nines Tournament and the Victory Cup tour of Russia last year.

“Many of the skills needed to be a successful member of the Defence Force are key to being a successful member of the Defence Rugby League team - commitment to teamwork and fitness, discipline, esprit de corp and working together for a common goal,” says Warrant Officer Barrie Law, New Zealand Defence Force Rugby League Code Chairperson. “The skills we learn through our line of work hold us in good stead to succeed in our chosen sport. I’m pleased to see that many of our players and management go on to higher honours.”

A number of past and present New Zealand Defence Force team members are Batercard Cup players. Warrant Officer Barrie Law manages the Central Falcons and the Defence Force Team coach, Chief Petty Officer Rob Hewitt, manages the North Harbour Tigers. Sergeant Michael Rapata and Corporal Nick Wyatt have been on the whistle at the past two New Zealand National Women’s tournaments – and hope to be in line for Bartercard Cup honours next year.

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