All Blacks' Game a Coup for Yarrow Stadium
The All Blacks will be making their first-ever appearance at Yarrow Stadium this September – continuing Taranaki’s reputation for securing major events.
The one-off match against Samoa will be played at 7.35pm on Wednesday 3 September.
Taranaki Rugby Football Union Chief Executive Mark Robinson says having the New Zealand Rugby Union put its full weight behind New Plymouth's Yarrow Stadium strengthens the stadium’s brand as a premier sports venue.
“This test match is a great boost for rugby in Taranaki and fantastic recognition of the hard work across the community that has gone into making Yarrow Stadium a top multi-purpose venue,” he says.
“With the Rugby World Cup getting closer, this is a fantastic opportunity to show just how well we can host an A-grade event.
“We want to seize this opportunity and get a full house enjoying a spectacular event, and make sure the key decision-makers in the future don’t forget how well we did this.”
New Plymouth District Mayor Peter Tennent says Mark Robinson and his team at the TRFU have done a magnificent job in working with the NZRU to secure the test match.
“Taranaki has proved time and again that we’re able to attract the big-name sports and culture events, and our greatest strength is the ‘team Taranaki’ approach between all the agencies such as the TRFU, Venture Taranaki and New Plymouth District Council,” says the Mayor.
“When we approach national bodies as a unified group, these bodies have the confidence that we can deliver professional and well-run events on a large scale.
“And it doesn’t hurt that Taranaki people are huge fans of sports and culture either, and are known to get behind major events with their full support.
“I fully expect this match to sell out, and it’s going to be a massive shot in the arm for rugby in the region.
“Rugby is going strong here in all age groups anyway, but there’s nothing like kids and adults seeing their heroes right in front of them – and playing on home turf – to spark the imagination and crank up the enthusiasm for the sport,” says the Mayor.
This is the only All Blacks game outside the major centres this year, and will put a big tick next to the name ‘Taranaki’ according to Venture Taranaki CEO Stuart Trundle.
“We keep hearing from other economic agencies, from potential visitors and immigrants, and from people looking to develop their businesses here that they’re attracted by Taranaki’s lifestyle and these major events we keep bringing in,” says Mr Trundle.
“Our focus is on providing the people of Taranaki with world-class events. Not only does that mean great entertainment opportunities for locals and visitors, but it provides both inspiration and aspiration for Taranaki’s future, on a personal and community level.
“We’re also demonstrating the way that Taranaki does business: A unique, successful approach that knows no boundaries.”
In particular, events such as an All Blacks test match and the annual ITU World Cup Triathlon in New Plymouth position Taranaki on the world stage for both young people considering where they should study and work, and for a global audience who is thinking of relocating to Taranaki.
“Taranaki needs 16,500 additional skilled workers in core industries over the next 20 years. Offering such a variety of world class events to the people of Taranaki will help us to meet that challenge,” says Mr Trundle.
Other major events announced recently as coming to Taranaki include G-TARanaki (14-19 July 2008, various venues), Davis Cup tennis – New Zealand vs China (19-21 September 2008, TSB Stadium) and the Uni Games 2009 (14-17 April 2009, various venues).
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