Sonny Bill Williams with ACC at the Bayleys National Sevens

Sonny Bill Williams with ACC at the Bayleys National Sevens

This is a big year for sevens rugby with the Olympic Games including rugby for the first time since 1924.

ACC is proud to again be a supporting sponsor at the Bayleys National Sevens tournament in Rotorua on 16 and 17 January 2016, and to join with the Bay of Plenty Rugby Union at the “spiritual home of sevens rugby”.

Sevens has undergone considerable change over recent years. The growth and popularity of this fast-paced and skilful sport has raised the level of expertise, fitness and training necessary to perform at the top level.

“This year I am delighted to announce we will have All Black Sonny Bill Williams joining us at the Bayleys National Sevens to help us talk about the importance of preparing for every game” says ACC’s Chief Executive Scott Pickering.

“ACC wants kiwis to lead healthy, active lives - and to keep playing the sport they love, for a long time. We can support players to stay injury free through programmes such as RugbySmart, a very successful injury prevention programme developed by ACC and NZ Rugby for players, coaches and referees.”

“Sonny’s empathy with young people and helping them achieve their goals, his desire to be the best he can and his work with community groups makes him an ideal ACC role model. Like all our great sports people he is well aware of the importance of training and preparing for the game.”

Bay of Plenty Rugby Union Chief Executive, Mike Rogers says they support every effort to keep players injury free. “Having ACC at the Bayleys National Rugby Sevens as a sponsor helps to support our initiatives to keep players on the pitch, rather than the side line. It’s great to have Sonny Bill Williams in attendance to help teach the next generation of great players how to perform at their best.”

Sonny will be conducting a rugby skills and drills session to demonstrate the importance of learning some of the right techniques for optimal performance; how to train for a game to help reduce the risk of injury, and how to ensure longevity of enjoyment from sport.

ACC is committed to promoting the benefits of health, wellbeing and quality of life through active participation in sport says Mr Pickering.

ENDS

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