All Black Grand Slam set for end of the year
23/01/2008
allblacks.com
Fans of the All Blacks and English rugby team in the UK are set for another exciting Test match with the announcement of an agreement between the Rugby Football Union (RFU) and the New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU).
The agreement, announced today, will see an additional match to England’s existing three match Autumn Test programme in 2008.
IRB consent is required for this match, scheduled for Saturday, 29 November 2008 with kick off at 1430, and has been applied for.
The November 2008 test match will offer the All Blacks the opportunity to attempt the “Grand Slam” against the home nations. The All Blacks first ever Grand Slam was achieved in 1978 and the 2005 team repeated the effort with the highlight being a tight encounter against England at Twickenham.
Under the terms of the new agreement between the RFU and PRL signed in November 2007 it was agreed that England would play a fourth autumn international at the end of the conventional three-week autumn window every two years over the eight year period of the agreement.
The creation of a trophy for the winning team in this game between has been agreed and it will be one which reflects the history of relationships between the two countries. The name and design of the trophy will be confirmed before this year’s clash.
England last played New Zealand at Twickenham stadium in November 2006 in a one off celebration game to mark the opening of the South Stand seating bowl.
RFU Chief Executive, Francis Baron OBE said: “We are pleased to have reached agreement with the NZRU over this additional Test match. It will provide the England team with an additional opportunity to play a Test match at the highest level as well as providing additional funds to invest in the further development of the professional club game in England. The All Blacks at Twickenham are always a fantastic spectacle for rugby fans and I’m sure all England supporters will be looking forward to the 29 November date this year.”
NZRU Chief Executive Steve Tew said: “This is an exciting addition to the All Blacks’ northern hemisphere tour programme. Not only does it create the opportunity for the All Blacks to pursue a Grand Slam in 2008 against the Rugby World Cup runners-up, but it also provides another opportunity for the many All Blacks fans in the UK and Europe to see and support their team.”
The All Blacks’ schedule for the tour to the UK and Ireland is:
Nov 8: Scotland v New Zealand
Nov 15: Ireland v New Zealand
Nov 22: Wales v New Zealand
Nov 29: England v New Zealand
England’s other three confirmed matches this autumn are:
England v Pacific Islands Saturday, November 8 Kick off 2.30pm
England v Australia Saturday, November 15 Kick off 2.30pm
England v South Africa Saturday, November 22 Kick off 2.30pm
