PRESIDENT’s messages 02
New
Zealand
Rugby
President’s
Message
On behalf of everyone involved in rugby in New Zealand, it is
my pleasure to welcome the New Zealand Black Ferns, Australia
Wallaroos, Manusina Samoa and Canada to the 2014 International
Women’s Rugby Series.
Last year’s International Series saw the welcome return of
international women’s rugby to New Zealand, as well as three
impressive Black Ferns victories and the Try of the Year, when
Selica Winiata scored a last-minute, length-of-the-field try to
secure the second Test.
This year we are looking forward to more fast-paced rugby from
the stars of the women’s game ahead of the Women’s Rugby World
Cup in France this August.
Australia are New Zealand’s traditional rivals and with the Laurie
O’Reilly Memorial Trophy, named after the Black Ferns’ first Coach,
that match will be a classic. Meanwhile the two Black Ferns matches
against Canada as well as the match against Manusina Samoa at Eden
Park will be special occasions, as will Canada taking on Australia in a
unique rugby event for Tauranga.
All of these squads feature a number of young players who will
complement their more experienced teammates and we look
forward to seeing how each side goes, while the number of players
also involved with sevens reflects the strong growth in that area of
the game. I am sure we will see five exciting, hard-fought contests.
I would like to thank our sponsors and partners, in particular
adidas, Principal Partner of New Zealand Rugby and AIG, Major
Global Sponsor of the Black Ferns for their support of this Series.
Our thanks go to the Bay of Plenty and Auckland Provincial Unions
for their hard work in ensuring that the matches run smoothly.
Particular note should be made of the efforts of the Bay of Plenty
Union, which will be hosting matches at three separate venues.
I would like to wish the teams and officials the best of luck for
the matches and for their preparation for the Women’s Rugby
World Cup in France.
Finally, thank you to all rugby supporters. Whether you’re
watching at the ground or following from afar we appreciate you
getting behind the team and officials.
We hope you all enjoy the rugby!
Ian MacRae
New Zealand Rugby President
or New Zealand Rugby by New Zealand Rugby World and Tangible Media
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