Lomu-Crowe trophy unveiled in Christchurch

Media release: immediate use

Iconic Lomu-Crowe trophy up for grabs at T20 Christchurch Black Clash

A uniquely Kiwi trophy dedicated to late sporting icons Jonah Lomu and Martin Crowe will be up for grabs at the Hot Springs Spas T20 Christchurch Black Clash in association with Swisse at Hagley Oval on January 25.

Created by renowned New Zealand artist Shane ‘Spud’ Dudley with the blessing of the families of global rugby superstar Lomu and master batsman Crowe, the Lomu-Crowe trophy pays tribute to two of New Zealand’s most beloved sportsmen.

“It’s truly fitting that the names of these two national heroes have pride of place on what is a wonderful, iconic piece of Kiwi art,” says David Higgins of Duco Events.

“I’ve always believed that Martin and Jonah have not been fully recognised for the contribution they made to the country through their tremendous deeds on and off the sports field.

"Both Martin and Jonah were men whose achievements transcended the sports field.

“So to be able to honour them even in a small way by naming the T20 Black Clash trophy the Lomu-Crowe trophy just feels right.

“To me it is fitting that Jonah and Martin be linked in some way to an event that features so many of New Zealand’s biggest sports stars. So we commissioned Shane Dudley to make a trophy that would be both unmistakably Kiwi and suitably honour the legacy of both Martin and Jonah.”

Constructed from cement overlay to create a Greenstone finish blade, with steel and copper wire binding, the trophy is based on an adze – a prized Maori possession and tool that today symbolises strength and mana.

“Those were attributes both Jonah and Martin possessed in abundance, so to me it is the perfect fit,” says Dudley.
“And the copper wire binding symbolises the coming together of the two sporting codes.”

Dudley said it had been an honour to be asked to create a trophy in the image of two Kiwi heroes.

“As a kiwi sports fan I have loved watching both these legends do their thing and wow people all over the globe. This event will be a great tribute to them both, and their families for many years to come I'm sure.”

The Lomu-Crowe trophy was unveiled to media at Hagley Oval on Wednesday, along with the playing uniforms for the star-studded Team Rugby and Team Cricket line-ups, and the Crown Lift Trucks umpires.

All Blacks wing Israel Dagg modelled the Team Rugby uniform alongside Team Cricket’s 2015 world cup hero Grant Elliott, while match umpire Billy Bowden showed off the Crown Lift Trucks umpires’ uniform.

The Hot Spring Spas T20 Christchurch Black Clash in association Swisse takes place at Hagley Oval on Friday January 25, starting at 4.00pm.

Free for use B-Roll vision and still images of today’s media event will be available via separate release later today.

Team Rugby
Coach: Sir Graham Henry – first class wicket keeper, world cup winning coach
1 Kieran Read: (C) right hand bat, All Blacks captain, Swisse Ambassador
2 Richie McCaw: left arm seam, played a bit of rugby
3 Israel Dagg: right arm fast, All Blacks wing/fullback
4 Beauden Barrett: left hand bat, handy first five eighths
5 Jordie Barrett: Right arm fast, useful fullback
6 Aaron Smith: all rounder, chirpy halfback
7 Jason Spice: left arm orthodox, first class cricket and rugby player
8 Ali Williams: right hand bat, 77 tests for the All Blacks
9 Kendra Cocksedge: batting all rounder, Black Ferns vice captain
10 Kaylum Boshier: all rounder, Captain of NZU19 in cricket / Taranaki No. 8
11 Ofisa Tunu'u: wicket keeper/batsman
12 David Hussey, international wildcard

Team Cricket
1 Stephen Fleming (player coach)
2 Brendon McCullum (C)
3 Grant Elliott
4 Luke Ronchi (wk)
5 Kyle Mills
6 Chris Harris
7 Nathan Astle
8 James Franklin
9 Hamish Marshall
10 Liz Perry
11 Wildcard (TBA)
Manager/motivator: Scott Robertson

Tickets available via www.ticketdirect.co.nz
(service fees apply)
Adult $59
Concession $35
Kids $19
http://blackclash.co.nz/

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