20 JULY 2006

All Blacks Announce Visit To
Save The Children Project In South Africa

Three senior All Blacks will visit a Save the Children school project, in Qwa Qwa, South Africa in September.

Front-rowers Carl Hayman, Keven Mealamu and Anton Oliver will represent the All Blacks when they visit Qwa Qwa in the Free State on Monday 4 September, after the final Philips Tri Nations Test match in Rustenburg, South Africa.

"While most New Zealanders’ minds will be on the test matches with South Africa and the close relationship we have had over the 85 years of Test matches between our two nations, it is easy to forget the real differences between us," said John Bowis, Executive Director of Save the Children New Zealand.

"Though we meet on the rugby field as equals, South Africa is facing immense challenges. It is a nation of stark inequalities, from affluence to extreme poverty. And it is dealing with an HIV/AIDS epidemic, which is having a seriously negative social and economic impact on their country."

The school visit will see the All Blacks take part in academic and sports activities with the schoolchildren.

Save the Children will be collecting at the test against South Africa in Wellington on Saturday 22nd July. The All Blacks are asking you to also do your bit to help support children in South Africa.

ENDS

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