Cromwell Welcomes the All Blacks

Approximately 850 Cromwell children will form up to create a very large All Black rugby jersey on Anderson Park in Cromwell tomorrow morning. They, together with parents and teachers and many more from around the region will welcome All Blacks Brad Thorn, Owen Franks and Corey Flynn to Central Otago.

Mayor Tony Lepper will officially welcome the All Blacks at 9am. This will be followed by an autograph signing session between 9.30am and 10.25am, and then they will join the Cromwell Rugby Club to run a series of rugby drills for about 150 young rugby players from the Cromwell area.

“The community has really got behind this visit by All Blacks just one week out from the start of their Rugby World Cup campaign”, said Alison Mason, Tourism Central Otago. “Scrolls which went out around the Central Otago communities have received thousands of messages of support for the players. These will be presented to them to take back to the rest of the squad.”

“Everyone is welcome to be a part of the morning’s activities and wish the All Blacks well as they head into camp in Auckland later in the day. There will be a great atmosphere, with the crowd enjoying the Ruggerland Bouncy castle, music, BBQ and seeing the All Blacks impart their knowledge to players of the future.” Mrs Mason said.