3 November 2008
An unusual turn of events saw the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) team play the NZDF Academy team in the rain-soaked final game of the Pacific Nations Military Rugby Tournament at Maidstone Park, Upper Hutt on Saturday.
The ultimate victor was the NZDF team which beat the NZDF Academy team with a score of 74 to 3.
Over the past week military rugby teams from Australia, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea and Tonga have faced off in the tournament.
In the Shield final (third and fourth place) Tonga beat Australia 10 to 5 and in the Plate final (fifth and sixth place) Papua New Guinea beat New Caledonia 27 to 25.
At the tournament closing function on Saturday night Sapper Matty Oldridge, the NZDF team’s No. 8 was named Player of the Tournament.
The Chief of Defence Force, Lieutenant General Jerry Mateparae said, “The aim of the tournament was to foster healthy competition and greater understanding between Pacific Nation Defence Forces through rugby; the language of the Pacific.”
“All tournament matches were fought hard with plenty of competitive rivalry displayed by the players. However, true spirit and comradeship were also evident throughout the tournament,” he said.
“We were delighted to host the teams and representatives from all the countries involved in the tournament,” LT GEN Mateparae said. “During the past week close bonds have been formed among the players and greater understanding has been fostered between the military forces involved.”
photo caption: Play during the Papua New Guinea Defence Force vs Tonga Defence Services game on 29 October. The final score was Tonga 50, PNG 8. (OH08-0763-03)
ENDS
There are currently 876 New Zealand Defence Force personnel deployed on 14 peacekeeping operations, UN missions and defence exercises around the world.
For further information please contact Ally Clelland, Defence Public Relations on 04 496 0273 or 021 569 130.