NEW ZEALAND RUGBY UNION PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

On behalf of the New Zealand Rugby Union, it is my great pleasure to welcome you all to the 2012 Pub Charity Rugby Sevens tournament.
Sevens rugby in New Zealand receives amazing and enthusiastic support from the community and nowhere is that more evident than at this tournament. Queenstown continues to provide a stunning backdrop to the on-field action.
The Pub Charity Rugby Sevens provides Provincial Unions with a chance to add some silverware to their cabinets and traditional provincial rivalries are as much in evidence here as in the longer form of the game. In 2011, every match was exciting and I’m sure that 2012 will see some fascinating contests.
Aspiring players are presented with an ideal opportunity to test themselves against opponents from around New Zealand and to impress New Zealand Sevens Coach Gordon Tietjens as he plans for the future, with an eye on his tenth World Sevens Series and as planning begins for the Olympic Games in 2016.
Sevens rugby raises the profile of rugby on the international stage, and plays a vital role in developing our rugby players, coaches, officials and administrators. Nine members of the All Blacks Rugby World Cup-winning squad – as well as Assistant Coach Wayne Smith – have represented New Zealand at Sevens.
Thank you to Pub Charity and the other sponsors for their support of the tournament, the Otago Rugby Union for hosting the event, the Sevens with Altitude organisers and the Otago Country rugby clubs for all their efforts in ensuring that the tournament is a success.
I would like to wish the participating teams and the match officials the best of luck. I trust that everyone here will enjoy the fun and excitement of this weekend’s action.

Bryan Williams
NZRU President

OTAGO RUGBY FOOTBALL UNION PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

It is a great honour to welcome all players and supporters to Queenstown for another year of the Pub Charity National Sevens Competition.
This is the ninth time this very popular tournament has been played in Queenstown and we look forward to this arrangement continuing for many years to come. Queenstown has proved to be a popular destination for both visiting teams and spectators.
The outstanding scenery is matched by exciting sevens which ensures two entertaining days rugby for us all.

Good luck to all participating teams

Sir Eion Edgar
ORFU President