Future stars of world rugby experience best of Auckland

28 May 2014

Future stars of world rugby experience the best of Auckland

The world’s best young rugby players are swapping tackling and passing for sailing, seafood cooking and SkyJumping ahead of the IRB Junior World Championship 2014.

The future stars of world rugby – 336 players in 12 teams – arrived in Auckland this week for the seventh IRBJunior World Championship, which kicks off on Monday 2 June.

All of the 12 teams have taken the opportunity to enjoy an Auckland activity, starting with Samoa, who tried out their culinary skills with a lesson at Auckland Seafood School.

England and Wales opted for action on the water today, with the Welsh team experiencing a thrilling jetboat ride on Auckland’s Waitemata Harbour. The English team followed in the footsteps of the Prince and Duchess of Cambridge with a sailing trip on an ex-America’s Cup yacht. The royals raced on the same yacht during their tour of New Zealand last month.

Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development (ATEED) Chief Executive Brett O’Riley says these activities are the ultimate way to welcome the teams and show them the best of Auckland.

“We know from past experience that giving visiting sports teams an authentic Auckland experience is a great way to leave a lasting impression. Their activities will feature in the international broadcast viewed in 144 countries worldwide,” he says.

Over the coming weeks other teams will enjoy a range of activities, including a Māori cultural performance at Auckland Museum, golf at a scenic Auckland course and a trip to Waiheke Island.

During their stay each of the twelve competing teams – Argentina, Australia, England, Italy, Fiji, France, Ireland, Wales, Samoa, Scotland, South Africa and New Zealand – will also visit a range of community groups, schools and rugby clubs in a series of activities right across Auckland.

Eden Park will host three matches, including the final on Friday 20 June 2014 at 7.35pm, with all other matches including semi-finals to be played at QBE Stadium North Harbour and Ecolight Stadium Pukekohe. Matches will be played on 2, 6, 10, 15 and 20 June.

Hosting the IRB Junior World Championship in New Zealand has been made possible through the significant support provided by the Government (through the Major Events Development Fund) and ATEED, on behalf of Auckland Council, which each invested $1.45m in the tournament.

336 players in 12 teams will be vying for the right to be called the best Under 20 team in the world when the seventh IRB Junior World Championship (JWC2014) kicks off in New Zealand on 2 June 2014.
• 30 matches to be played from 2-20 June 2014
• Eden Park to host the final on Friday 20 June at 7.35pm
• Low ticket prices – all three pool matches on one day priced from $5 for children, $10 for adults

For more information visit www.aucklandnz.com/events/listing/irb-junior-world-championship-2014

ATEED (Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development) is Auckland’s economic growth agency.

ENDS

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