Queenstown to host Classic All Blacks game

Posted by on 6 September 2010

Stand by to welcome a lineup of legendary rugby superstars to Queenstown for next year’s Rugby World Cup.

The resort town will celebrate New Zealand’s rugby heritage by hosting a feature match between the Classic All Blacks and the French Classics which is expected to attract locals and travelling fans from all nations.

The teams will converge in the resort for the 18 September match, to be held downtown at the Queenstown Recreation Ground.

Graham Budd, Destination Queenstown’s General Manager of Marketing, is delighted Queenstown has secured the game and believes it will be one of the Rugby World Cup festival highlights.

“We’re passionate about rugby in the South so we were really proud to have been selected to host three Rugby World Cup teams* for training. The news that Queenstown will host an international calibre match featuring some of rugby’s legends is the icing on the cake.

“The game will be a great opportunity for people to be part of the whole rugby experience and I think it’ll be a huge drawcard for visitors and locals.”

Mr Budd says New Zealand versus France is always an “epic battle”.

“There’s always plenty of passion and flair and I’m sure this game will be no different.”

The Classics include former All Blacks, many still playing overseas, who are no longer contracted to New Zealand rugby. The French team is expected to feature a number of members of the team responsible for the All Blacks’ 1999 Rugby World Cup demise at Twickenham.

The Classic All Blacks last took on a World XV side in Kuala Lumpur in June 2010. The star-studded side included Andrew Mehrtens as captain, Jonah Lomu, Carlos Spencer, Filo Tiatia, Greg Somerville and Scott Robertson.

The ‘Classic’ lineups are expected to be confirmed by 1 July 2011. Tickets will go on sale around the same time.

The event is being organised by the Sevens with Altitude committee, which runs Queenstown’s annual national sevens rugby tournament, in association with Classic All Blacks convenor Andy Haden.

For more information about the Classic All Blacks visit www.classicallblacks.com.