10 April 2008
In the curtain-raiser to the Blues/Brumbies Game at Eden Park this Saturday, 12 April, the Royal Australian Navy Rugby Under 21 Team will compete against the Royal New Zealand Navy Rugby Under 21 Team for the Dowsett Cup, currently held by the New Zealand Navy.
The game will kick off at 4:30 pm.
The Dowsett Cup is now an annual match and is designed to develop the young rugby players of both the New Zealand and the Australian navies.
“Make no mistake, with national pride at stake, this match will be as hotly contested as any trans-Tasman clash”, said Chairman of Navy Rugby, Commander Shaun Fogarty.
Continuing the Navy involvement, the ball for the Blues/Brumbies Game will be dropped into the grounds of Eden Park by a Naval Seasprite Helicopter at 7:20 pm.
Background
The Dowsett Cup was named after Commodore Mike Dowsett (now retired), a Surgeon Dentist in the Royal Australian Navy. The Dowsett Cup was first played between the Royal Australian Navy and Royal New Zealand Navy Colts in 1976. The cup was won by the New Zealand Navy Colts.
The Dowsett Cup was not contested again until 2007 in Sydney. Again won by the New Zealanders, the cup was presented by its namesake Commodore Dowsett.
ENDS
For any queries including requests for interviews, please contact Lieutenant Commander Barbara Cassin, Navy Public Relations Manager, 021 244 0638.