Investec Super Rugby to salute services this weekend

Apr 25 • General News • 1100 Views • Comments Off on Investec Super Rugby to salute services this weekend

New Zealand’s Investec Super Rugby teams will honour the ANZACs this weekend when they acknowledge all service men and women across the country in a special Salute to Service themed round.

Driven by the BNZ Crusaders, Salute to Service commemorates the ANZACs and gives thanks to the local services who work selflessly every day to support our communities, including Defence personnel, Fire and Emergency, Police and St John Ambulance staff.

New Zealand Rugby (NZR) Chief Executive Steve Tew said rugby held a strong connection with the ANZACs and the wider service community.

“New Zealanders played a major role in the war effort and the rugby community was a big part of that. Thirteen All Blacks and 150 First Class rugby players made the ultimate sacrifice.

“We have a proud record of service and are honoured to pay homage to them and all those who served in both World Wars and in more recent overseas conflicts.

“This weekend’s matches will continue our tradition of honouring the ANZACs, and we also want to take the opportunity to show our respect to the current service men and women who play such an important role in making our communities at home safe.”

The Salute to Service round kicks off in Christchurch on Friday 26 April, where the BNZ Crusaders take on the Lions at Christchurch Stadium, followed by the Hurricanes v Chiefs match at Westpac Stadium on Saturday 27 April.

Both matches will feature the traditional reading of The Ode (in Te Reo and English), playing of the Last Post, a moment’s silence, and The Reveille. Commemoration activities will also include poppy collections for the RSA Poppy Appeal at each stadium.

Players from each of New Zealand’s five Investec Super Rugby clubs, including Owen Franks (Crusaders), Patrick Tuipulotu (Blues), Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi (Chiefs), Ben Smith (Highlanders) and Ardie Savea (Hurricanes), have recorded messages of thanks to the country’s first responders.

Royal New Zealand Returned and Services’ Association (RNZRSA) Chief Executive Jack Steer welcomed rugby’s annual tribute and support for the RSA and veterans.

“We are grateful to New Zealand Rugby and the Investec Super Rugby clubs for their efforts to promote remembrance around ANZAC Day and the support they offer todays current veterans through collections at the games.

“This year’s Poppy Appeal recognises the whole sacrifice that was made and is still being made by today’s NZDF personnel and their families. Broadening this out to acknowledge all service men and women with the Salute the Service concept is a nice fit.”

View Investec Super Rugby’s Salute to Service video here: https://youtu.be/G-03HqOn6nI.