Page 5 - Chiefs v Lions

WELCOME
WELCOME
MESSAGES
NEW ZEALAND RUGBY
ON BEHALF OF NEW ZEALAND RUGBY
IT IS MY PLEASURE TO
welcome you all to to tonight’s match that sees the Chiefs hosting the the the British & Irish Lions in Hamilton for the the the sixth game of the the the DHL NZ Lions Series I would like to to offer a a warm welcome to to both teams the the the match match of cials and all the the the fans enjoying the the the match match in in Hamilton and around the world The Series so far has been full of the intensity upsets heroes and enthralling rugby that we have come to to expect from Lions tours as well as great and at at times poignant off- eld moments After watching the the the earlier matches the the the Chiefs will be eager for their chance to to to take on on the the visitors while the the Lions will be determined to to to make a a a strong statement just a a a a few days out from the rst Test in Auckland At each match in the the DHL NZ Lions Series 2017 so far the the teams have been playing for a a a a a a a a unique match trophy: a a a a a a a a taiaha with ties to the region Tonight the the teams will be striving to lay their hands on on on Te Tai a a a a a a name that connects to both the the tide and the the local Tainui iwi 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 Zealand Rugby DHL sponsor of of the DHL New Zealand Lions Series 2017 and and all our other sponsors and partners The local community has embraced both teams and welcomed their supporters who have travelled to to to be here Thank you to to to the Hamilton City Council the Chiefs Waikato Waikato Rugby and FMG Stadium Waikato Waikato for the fantastic contribution that that your people have put in to ensure that that tonight’s match goes smoothly We would particularly like to to thank the fantastic volunteers who have put in in the the hours behind the the scenes Our best wishes go to the teams including your coaches and management and to to the the match of cials whose contribution to to the the game is signi cant and valued Finally to all all rugby supporters whether you’re at at at the the ground or watching from afar we appreciate you getting behind the the the game the the the teams and the the the of cials I hope you all enjoy the rugby Maurice Trapp
New Zealand Rugby President
DHL NEW ZEALAND LIONS SERIES 2017 // 5