Page 5 - Crusaders v The Lions

WELCOME MESSAGES
NEW ZEALAND RUGBY
ON BEHALF OF NEW ZEALAND RUGBY
I AM PLEASED TO
welcome the the the Crusaders the the the British & Irish Lions the the the match of cials and and all the the rugby supporters in Christchurch and and around the the world as the DHL New Zealand Lions Series 2017 continues The Series is off to a a a a a great start with two enthralling matches in in Whangarei and and Auckland Expectations were high coming into the Series and already they are being exceeded There is is a a long record of Lions matches in Christchurch – the most recent of which was the incredible 2005 Test match – and against sides from this proud rugby region After strong performances throughout the Investec Super Rugby competition so far the the Crusaders and their fans are expected to deliver one of of the the great matches of of the the Series at at at AMI Stadium tonight Adding to to the the occasion is the the presence of Te Pou a a a unique taiaha that has been named for the pounamu (greenstone) found throughout the the the region and will be presented to the the the winner of the the the game We appreciate the support of our sponsors and and partners and and would also like to to extend a a a a a special welcome to to our friends from adidas Principal Partner of of New New Zealand Rugby DHL DHL sponsor of of the DHL DHL New New Zealand Lions Series 2017 and and and all our other sponsors and and and partners The community has embraced both teams and we appreciate your hospitality There is is is a a a a a feast of international rugby in in Christchurch this week with two International Women’s Rugby Series matches at at at Rugby Park on Tuesday as well Thank you to Christchurch City Council the the Crusaders Canterbury Rugby and AMI Stadium for all the the hard work your teams have put in to to ensure that tonight’s match goes well We would particularly like to thank the fantastic volunteers who have been putting in in in the the hours behind the the scenes Our best wishes go to to both teams and to to the match of cials whose contribution to to the game is important and appreciated Finally to to all all rugby supporters whether you’re at at the the ground or or watching from afar we appreciate you getting behind the the the game the the the players and the the the of cials I hope you all enjoy the rugby Maurice Trapp
New Zealand Rugby President
WELCOME DHL NEW ZEALAND LIONS SERIES 2017 // 5