• Road Trip to celebrate rugby triumphs
• Webb Ellis Cup and other top silverware on display
• Fun rugby activities for the whole family

A massive, nationwide rugby tour to say ‘thank you, New Zealand’, and featuring the coveted Webb Ellis Cup will be stopping off in Tauranga at the Wharepai Domain on Wednesday 22nd February 2012 between 3pm and 6pm.

The New Zealand Rugby Union and the Bay of Plenty Rugby Union are hosting a free public event to provide the people of Tauranga the chance to get up close and personal with many international rugby trophies and enjoy a range of fun rugby activities for the whole family.

“We’re thrilled that so many of rugby’s top trophies are coming to town to be shared with our community. Knowing that the All Blacks are World Champions just adds to what will be a great occasion for Tauranga” said Mike Rogers CEO Bay of Plenty Rugby Union.

The event, dubbed The Great Rugby Road Trip, will showcase New Zealand rugby’s prized trophies, including the Webb Ellis Cup, the Bledisloe Cup and IRB Women’s Rugby World Cup and the IRB Junior World Championship Trophy.

“The tour is about celebrating our national game and encouraging people to rekindle the support of Rugby World Cup 2011 and get behind the game – whether it’s by playing, referring, coaching, volunteering, or simply supporting,” said Steve Tew, NZRU CEO.

“Our support during the tournament came from all corners of New Zealand including people here in the Bay of Plenty so to be able to bring the Cup here is fantastic,” he said.

BOPRU CEO Mike Rogers called on locals to come out in force to make it a day to remember. “This is the traditional registration time of year for most rugby clubs, and the Great Rugby Road Trip is a perfect way to encourage people to play or support the game at all levels.” “Having the Webb Ellis Cup and other trophies in town is very special; and with all the family-friendly activities planned, it will be a fun few hours for everyone”.

“I hope the people of Tauranga will be really keen to come down to the Wharepai Domain to re-live that World Cup magic, dress up in their local colours and grab a photo with the Cup for their own special memory of that magical time last year.” For more information on The Great Rugby Road Trip go to www.facebook.com/AllBlacks

Editor’s note:
Complimentary images of Piri Weepu’s Great Rugby Road Trip to the Chatham Islands with the Webb Ellis Cup are available from Getty Images - http://www.gettyimages.com.au/Search/Search.aspx?EventId=136071649

The 55 day Great Rugby Road Trip tour takes in more than 100 secondary and primary school visits, and includes 40 community events in towns around New Zealand and evening events at local rugby clubs throughout New Zealand from February to April.

For further information please contact:
Mike Rogers CEO Bay of Plenty Rugby Union 029 478 4292