The world’s here to play – watch them train

29 August 2011

The world’s here to play – watch them train

Auckland fans will have the chance to see some of the world’s best Rugby teams and players as they go through their paces at public training sessions in Auckland during Rugby World Cup 2011 (RWC 2011).

Fans have an extra opportunity to see the teams from Tonga, Australia, France, Fiji and Samoa in action as they train at several Auckland grounds throughout September.

The French team tops the list with three scheduled sessions at Onewa Domain.

Auckland training sessions:

• Tuesday, 6 September (2.30pm-4pm) – see Australia at Western Springs Stadium
• Tuesday, 6 September (5.30pm-7pm) – see Tonga at Western Springs Stadium
• Tuesday, 13 September (3.30pm-5.30pm) – see France at Onewa Domain
• Tuesday, 20 September (9.30am-10.30am) – see Fiji at Mount Smart Stadium
• Tuesday, 20 September (3.30pm-5.30pm) – see France at Onewa Domain
• Wednesday, 21 September (8.30am-10am) – see Samoa at Western Springs Stadium
• Tuesday, 27 September (3.30pm-5.30pm) – see France at Onewa Domain

(Please note these sessions are subject to change – keep up to date at auckland2011.com)

Auckland RWC 2011 Coordination Group Chair Rachael Dacy encourages Aucklanders to embrace the opportunity these teams are providing.

“It’s great to see these teams so willing to share their time with fans during what is a busy and pressure-filled time for them,” says Ms Dacy.

“As we’ve seen when other international teams have opened up training sessions here before, they provide a fantastic chance for people to get up close and see the hard work players, coaches and other support roles put in to get match fit.”

“These sessions are another way Aucklanders can get involved in and enjoy the festival atmosphere of RWC 2011, whether they are attending matches or not,” says Ms Dacy.

Schools, Rugby clubs and businesses taking part in Auckland’s Adopt-a-second-team programme are expected to come out in force to support their adopted teams and see the players up close.

With large crowds expected for these sessions, fans are encouraged to get together and car pool or look at taking public transport where possible.

People should visit auckland2011.com to keep up to date with these and other public training sessions around the country, Team Welcome Ceremonies, and other opportunities to get involved in RWC 2011.

People can also still buy tickets to most of the matches being held in Auckland’s two venues, Eden Park and North Harbour Stadium. Details on current availability can be viewed online at rugbyworldcup.com/tickets. Tickets can be purchased at this site or selected Ticketek outlets.

About the RWC 2011 Auckland Co-ordination Group
Led by Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development Ltd (ATEED), the RWC 2011 Auckland Co-ordination Group is made up of key Auckland organisations including Auckland Council, transport agencies, business groups, rugby unions and match and training venues. The group and its workstreams are preparing Auckland for RWC 2011 in areas such as transport, business programmes, tourism, training venues and supporting events.

For more information on Auckland’s preparations for RWC 2011 visit www.auckland2011.com

ENDS

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