Media Release for immediate use 30 April 2009

Meridian Puts Its Power Behind Local Junior Rugby

May heralds the start of junior rugby in Canterbury, not to mention the first signs of winter chill. Thanks to Meridian, sideline supporters can be safe in the knowledge that a hot drink is close at hand.

Meridian will be at Hagley Park on Saturday mornings ready to comfort shivering supporters with a complimentary tea or coffee.

Meridian has been a sponsor of Canterbury Rugby since 2000. Currently its focus is on developmental rugby, being the major sponsor of junior grade rugby, right through to the Meridian Energy

Canterbury Rugby Academy. The Academy offers academic scholarships and elite training and coaching to the rising stars of Canterbury rugby.

Tim Gilkison, Manager Amateur Rugby, says the support from Meridian is invaluable.

“The Canterbury region has always been well-known for its ability to produce top-performing rugby players,” he says. “The support from Meridian at a grass roots level means we can develop a strong junior and community network of players. This puts Canterbury Rugby in great shape to develop even more stars of the future.

“It is great to see Meridian go that extra mile and get out there each week armed with hot drinks and sizzling sausages,” he added.

Players from the Meridian Energy Canterbury Rugby Academy will also help to cook the BBQ.

Mel Seyfort, Meridian’s Sponsorship Manager, says Meridian staff are passionate supporters of grass-roots rugby.

“Our staff are right into their rugby and a number of them have children who play,” she says. “It is a great thrill to be able to get around the grounds and see our future stars giving it their all.

“This season we are also going further a field to visit games in Ellesmere and North Canterbury,” she added.

Canterbury junior rugby starts this Saturday, 2 May, and runs for 14 weeks.

ENDS

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