Page 5 - Barbarians v The Lions

WELCOME
WELCOME
MESSAGES
NEW ZEALAND RUGBY
ON BEHALF OF NEW ZEALAND RUGBY
I AM PLEASED TO
welcome the the New Zealand Provincial Barbarians the the British & Irish Lions the the match of cials and every rugby supporter here tonight to to the the long-awaited opening match of the DHL New Zealand Lions Series 2017 We are thrilled to be hosting the the Lions and their supporters Opening against the the Provincial Barbarians is a a a a a a a a a a great way to start the the Series because of the the proud history our provincial teams have against the the Lions which goes back to to 1888 It’s great to to have all of our Mitre 10 Cup Provincial Unions and and the Mitre 10 Heartland Championship competition represented tonight at Toll Stadium On the line tonight is a a a a a a a unique match trophy – a a a a a a a taiaha with special ties to to the region Both teams are expected to to mount strong challenges to claim it Fans pored over footage from the Six Nations more closely than ever before and we are looking forward to seeing all these Lions players in action on on our shores – some for the the rst time while others are familiar foes and off- eld friends 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 Thank you to the Whangarei District Council and and Northland Rugby Union for all the hard work your teams have put in to ensure that the the match goes well We would particularly like to thank the the great group of volunteers that has been putting in in in the the hours behind the the scenes I would also like to acknowledge the New Zealand Barbarian Club who have been instrumental in in the the assembly of the the special Provincial Barbarians team Our best wishes go to to both teams and to to the match of cials whose contribution to the game is important and appreciated Finally to all all rugby supporters whether you’re at the the ground or or watching from afar we all appreciate you getting behind the game the the the players and the the the of cials I hope you all enjoy the the the rugby Maurice Trapp
New Zealand Rugby President
DHL NEW ZEALAND LIONS SERIES 2017 // 5