ARU and Brumbies get on board with Companion Card

**mudskipper** · 09-02-10, 18:00

February 09, 2010 - 1:32pm
Story by: ARU

The ARU and Brumbies are proud to announce their affiliation with the Companion Card scheme
The Australian Rugby Union and the Brumbies have joined together in signing up to The National Companion Card scheme which will allow people with disabilities to have easier access to Wallabies and Brumbies rugby matches.

The Companion Card enables people with disability, who require constant care, to attend participating events and venues without incurring the cost of a second ticket for their companion.

Companion Card holders will be able to utilise the two-for-one ticket offer at all Brumbies home games at Canberra Stadium and all Qantas Wallabies Test matches in Australia.

Bill Shorten MP welcomed Rugby’s affiliation with the Companion Card scheme.

“The Australian Government applauds the ARU and the Brumbies for making it easier for rugby fans with a severe disability to attend matches and support their teams,” he said.

“People with disability have the same right to get out and enjoy a concert or a football game as the rest of the community, and this scheme removes one of the obstacles in their way.

“The ARU joins a growing list of Australian sports and cultural institutions who are making life easier for people with a disability.”

Brumbies prop and Companion Card ambassador Guy Shepherdson, who was present at Monday's launch, said the Companion Card supports greater social inclusion for people with a disability.

“This is a fantastic initiative to make sure that every Brumbies supporter can get to the game.”

“It’s great to see that the Brumbies are opening the door for Companion Card holders and their carers, and it’d be great to see all Australian Super 14 clubs and other Australian sporting teams follow suit and make it easier for their fans to support their side.”

Shepherdson said keen Brumbies fan Tau Tanielu, who requires a wheelchair and 24hour care, was delighted with the two-for-one ticket offer.

“Tau is one of our most passionate supporters. He’s a proud Brumbies member, he’s been a regular at training sessions and he’s always at our games. It’s unfair to suggest that he should have to foot the bill for two tickets when, without the support of his companion, he couldn’t get to the game,” he said.

To utilise the Companion Card offer, cardholders simply present their card when booking or purchasing a ticket to receive a second ticket for their companion at no charge.

For more information on the National Companion Card visit www.companioncard.gov.au

http://www.rugby.com.au/news/aru_gen.../section/21893