Prime Minister's XV announced to play Japan
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The Australian Rugby Union (ARU) today announced the selection of a Prime Minister's XV to play Japan at Tokyo's Prince Chichibunomiya Memorial Rugby Ground on Saturday, 4 November.
The team, featuring six Qantas Wallabies and a host of Super 14 stars and emerging talent from around the country will visit Japan for the one-off match aimed at deepening mutual understanding and relations between the two countries.
Supported by Tourism Australia, Accor and Qantas, the match is also one of several events this year marking the Australia-Japan Year of Exchange, which commemorates the 30th anniversary of the signing of the 1976 Basic Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation between Australia and Japan, as well as the 80th anniversary of the Japan Rugby Football Union (JRFU).
The Prime Minister said he was delighted that a XV representing him could take part in such an historic match as well as contribute to the important goal of strengthening Rugby's place in Japanese sport.
Former Wallabies Coach Bob Dwyer says he is looking forward to coaching the Prime Minister's XV in the game against Japan.
"It's a great honour for Australian Rugby to be asked by the Prime Minister to select a XV in his name and, personally, it's a great honour for me to be invited to coach the team," Dwyer said.
"The match celebrates 30 years of friendship and cooperation between Australia and Japan and the 80th anniversary of the JRFU, and the ARU has acknowledged the importance of these occasions by selecting its best available players.
"Japan is an experienced opponent that will field its top national team and look to cap off its anniversary celebrations with a victory.
"We will be treating this fixture like any other international and our preparation, although relatively short, will include all the detail that would go towards preparing a Test team."
The Prime Minister's XV will assemble in Canberra on 29 October, ahead of an Official Farewell by the Prime Minister on 30 October. The team will depart for Japan the following day.
A captain of the team is yet to be announced.
Prime Minister's XV
1. Nic Henderson
2. Adam Freier
3. Ben Coutts
4. Will Caldwell
5. Pat O'Connor
6. Richard Brown
7. David Croft
8. John Roe
9. Matt Henjak
10. Daniel Halangahu
11. Caleb Brown
12. Junior Pelesasa
13. Julian Huxley
14. Haig Sare
15. Peter Hewat
16. Sean Hardman
17. Gareth Hardy
18. Luke Doherty
19. Julian Salvi
20. Nic Berry
21. Peter Hynes
22. Frances Fainifo
Coaching & Management Staff
Head Coach: Bob Dwyer
Assistant Coach: Laurie Fisher
Manager: Brendan Morris
Doctor: Warren McDonald
Physiotherapist: Greg Craig
Strength & Conditioning Coach: Rod Lindsell
October 18, 2006 - 1:48pm
Story by: ARU
http://rugby.com.au/news/prime_minis.../section/21893
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