Swindon Rugby teams support earthquake appeal

Swindon St George v Swindon RFC in cross-code match - SUNDAY 13 MARCH

 

Swindon St George Rugby League and Swindon RFC are pledging their support to the Christchurch Earthquake Appeal by taking to the field in a cross-code match on Sunday March 13 (KO 12.30).

 

The game, which is to be played at Swindon RFC, will begin with 40 minutes of Rugby Union followed by 40 minutes of Rugby League with all proceeds going towards the victims of the earthquake, which has so far claimed the lives of over 160 people.

 

 

“This came about, because a friend, an ex pat Kiwi called me on Sunday to ask for my help, I was asked as Chairman of Swindon Rugby League, what can the rugby community of Swindon do to help Christchurch?" commented Tony Ellis, Chairman of Swindon St George Rugby League.

 

“I came up with the idea of a cross-code match and put the idea forward to Steve Davis (Chairman of Swindon RFC) and without hesitation this plan was put into motion.”

 

Full support

 

New Zealand is a place, which is held in high regard by Ellis who has served alongside Kiwis and is hoping that people come out in force to show their support to the cause.

 

“I am the Vice Chairman of Swindon Parachute Regimental Association, I have served with Kiwis and New Zealand is a place which I hold closely to me,” added Ellis.

 

“Kiwis have served alongside the British Army for generations and on December 14, I stood in Wootton Bassett High Street, to welcome back Private John ‘Jack’ Howard 3 Parachute battalion, again a Kiwi.

 

“I have played Rugby, both codes, with and against Kiwis, as an amateur player. As a spectator I have had an enormous amount of pleasure watching, Rugby, both codes, seeing outstanding open running and bravery. The sport would not be the same without New Zealand, again, either code and we encourage people to come down and show their support.”

 

Date: Sunday March 13 (12.30 KO)

Venue: Swindon RFC, Greenbridge Road, Swindon SN3 3LA

 

Both teams will be allowed unlimited amount of players on the team sheet and unlimited interchange.

 

Following the game the England v Scotland rugby union match will be shown in the bar. It should be a great afternoon of rugby as well as raising money for a good cause.