28 May 2008
The Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN) Women’s Rugby team will clash with the British Army Rugby Union Women’s Team (ARUW) as part of their Centenary Tour of New Zealand at Devonport Naval Base on Thursday 29 May at 2:00pm.
The ARUW team is the current UK inter-services champions, and is made up of 37 serving personnel from 12 different Corps and Regiments within the British Army. The team includes several international players.
Players to watch for in the RNZN Women’s side include Petty Officer Physical Training Instructor Emma Cairns, formerly in the RNZN, who is now a Naval Reservist.
Emma has played rugby for Ponsonby and Northcote and represented Auckland. In 2005 she changed to Rugby League and played for the Northcote Tigers, achieving the Player of the Year award.
Emma now plays for the Otahuhu Women’s team and again achieved the Player of the Year Award in 2007. She also represented NZ in a one off test match vs NZ Maori Womens League. Emma has been selected to play for Auckland at the 2008 Nationals on Queens Birthday weekend and she hopes to be selected for Kiwi Ferns to play at the 2008 World Cup.
A player to watch for in the touring side is Captain Aimee Bywater-Lutman, a New Zealand Army officer currently posted to the UK.
Aimee experienced mixed emotions a week ago when she helped contribute to an historic win by the British Army women over her former NZ Army team mates a week ago. The British women made a dramatic comeback in the second half to win 10:8.
Chief of Navy Rear Admiral David Ledson is looking forward to attending the game at Devonport Naval Base.
"I understand the British team is a strong one and so I'm anticipating a very good game. I know, too, that whatever the end result, the Navy team will have demonstrated the Navy's Core Values - Courage, Comradeship and Commitment,” says Rear Admiral Ledson.
As well as the NZ Army Women’s rugby team, the British Army Rugby Union Women’s team have played against a Canterbury XV and will depart New Zealand for the UK on 1 June.
ENDS
For further information or details of attending the match, please contact Elizabeth Lincoln, Assistant Public Relations Manager (Navy) 04 496 0271 or 021 888 649.