Super Rugby to remember ANZACs

Apr 22 • General News, Super Rugby • 1203 Views • Comments Off on Super Rugby to remember ANZACs

A 97-year-old World War Two veteran will be the official match ball carrier at tonight’s Round 9 Highlanders v Sharks Investec Super Rugby match in Dunedin, as part of Anzac commemorations at New Zealand games this weekend.

Lance Corporal Duncan Alexander Peat, of the Royal New Zealand Engineers, has been given the honours for the match at Forsyth Barr Stadium as a tribute to all veterans.

Commemoration activities at the stadium will include a catafalque party, and members of the Royal New Zealand Navy ship, the HMNZS Otago, in port over Anzac weekend, the New Zealand Army, the local RSA and other local veterans have been invited to be a key part of tonight’s match.

There is also a poppy collection at the gate as fans arrive.

Lance Corporal Peat was originally posted to 26 Battalion New Zealand Infantry and was transferred to the Railway Operating Company New Zealand Division, part of the 8th Army in the Desert Campaign.

For his service he was awarded the 1939-145 Star, the Africa Star and 8th Army clasp, the Defence Medal 1936-45, the War Medal 1939-1945 and the New Zealand War Service Medal 1939-1945.

As has become traditional at New Zealand matches over the Anzac weekend, tonight’s game in Dunedin and tomorrow night’s game in Wellington, will feature special readings of the Ode of Remembrance, and playing of the Last Post.

The HMNZS Wellington was also due in port in the captial Wellington this afternoon with Hurricanes captain Dane Coles set to visit the ship and to make a special presentation to the crew, as they celebrate the 75th Anniversary of the Royal New Zealand Navy.