Argus Running

17 MARCH 2005

Remembering the Kiwis

THE 2005 NZ ARMY UK RUGBY TOUR

To commemorate and honour the success of the 1945 Khaki Kiwis Army rugby team, the NZ Army is planning a 60th anniversary commemoration tour to the United Kingdom in April/May 2005 that will include both a men’s and women’s side.


A NATIONS PASSION

New Zealand is a nation with an inherent passion for rugby and it is anticipated that the tour will have high public appeal and generate a good amount of media coverage.

With a recent resurgence of interest in our Nation’s military history the tour offers the opportunity for many of our younger generation to learn about the Kiwis and their significant contribution to our rugby heritage.

It is particularly special for the remaining 1945 Khaki Kiwis team as it is likely to be the last time they will bear witness to a tour that commemorates them and is in their honour. It is also hoped that several veterans of the Kiwis will be fit to travel with the touring rugby teams, including the legendary Fred Allen, Bob Scott and Stan Young.

Rugby has helped foster the New Zealand competitive edge that is internationally recognised. As a sport, it instils mental and physical will and confidence in individuals and the desire to win. For the Army it also illustrates the essence of teamwork, which transports to our military operations – our need for leaders, specialists, forwards, backs and reserves all working to the same aim remains the same whether it be on the rugby field, battlefield or during our peace support operations.


TOUR OBJECTIVES

The tour is endorsed by the New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) and coincides with the significant historical commemoration that is the 90th Anniversary of Gallipoli.

The main objectives of the tour are to:

• Play bright, open rugby in the spirit of the 1945 Khaki Kiwis
• Honour past soldiers, the 1945 Khaki Kiwis and the game of rugby itself
• Remind New Zealander’s of what the Kiwis did for New Zealand rugby
• Get people talking about rugby and the New Zealand Army
• Represent the New Zealand Army with pride and mana
• Highlight that rugby is for all to enjoy
• Set out to win all games

The tour also coincides with the release of Mike Whatman’s book, ‘Khaki All Blacks’. Whatman offers readers not only an overview of the tour but also a number of personal observations of the touring experience by some of the team’s legendary players. The book will be launched in March 2005 and makes a valuable companion to Winston McCarthy’s 1947 book, ‘Broadcasting with the Kiwis’.

For further information on the 60th anniversary tour contact Rebecca Reedy, Army Public Relations on 04 496 0296 or at rebecca.reedy@nzdf.mil.nz