18 August 2008
Download Pacific Nations Military Cup Poster [pdf.doc 4MB]
Defence Force rugby teams from across the Pacific will converge on Wellington this October for the Pacific Nations Military Rugby Tournament (PNMRT).
Hosted by the New Zealand Defence Force, all games in the competition will be held at Maidstone Park in Upper Hutt. The teams will be divided into two pools with round robin matches played from 28 -30 October, with the final games held on 1 November.
Participating in the tournament is the Australia Defence Force (ADF), the French Armed Forces New Caledonia (FANC), the NZDF, Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF), and Tonga Defence Services (TDS).
“The aim of the tournament is to foster healthy competition and greater understanding between Pacific Nation Defence Forces through rugby; the language of the Pacific,” says Chief of Defence Force, Lieutenant General Jerry Mateparae.
The inaugural Pacific Nations Military Rugby Cup in 2006 was hosted by the ADF. After the tournament the participating nations’ Defence Force Chiefs agreed to hold a similar tournament biennially, with New Zealand and Australia hosting the tournament alternatively.
“We’re looking forward to hosting the teams as well as representatives from all the countries involved in the tournament,” LT GEN Mateparae said. “We regularly work alongside many of the Defence Forces in the Pacific region and hope to enhance our working relationships on the sports field.”
“The test series is open to the public and will provide a great opportunity to see Pacific Nation Defence Force teams in action in what should be a highly competitive but good spirited event,” said LT GEN Mateparae.
Ends
For more information please contact Ally Clelland, Defence Public Relations on 04 496 0273
Tournament results
Game 1 ADF 41 FANC nil
Game 2 NZDF 28 TDS 5
Game 3 TDS 50 PNGDF 8
Game 4 NZDF AC 62 FANC nil