The Otago Daily Times has proudly covered international rugby tests since the first was held in Dunedin in 1908.
On Friday 8th July we invite you to join the Otago Daily Times and Rugby News at a special VIP rugby event in the Town Hall, Dunedin, celebrating the return of international test rugby when New Zealand takes on Ireland.
Kick off this momentous weekend with a two course lunch, and complimentary drinks and nibbles, while you rub shoulders with former players and special guests.
MC’d by the legendary Paul Allison, we are proud to welcome an incredible lineup of guest speakers including Grant Fox, Josh Kronfeld, Jaco Peyper and Stan Meades. This is an event not to be missed.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab some mates and join us for an epic celebration!
Dunedin Town Hall, Friday 8th July, 2022. 12-3pm. Cost: $1950 + gst per table (max 10 people). Partial tables available. Includes: canapes on arrival, 2-course buffet lunch, drinks (a selection of beers, wines & soft drinks). Table bookings close 15 June 2022 |
Register your interest by completing the form at the end of this page.
Introducing a great lineup of Guest Speakers;
MC Paul Allison
A former successful international marathon runner, Allison found his life passion in sports broadcasting. He was the resident radio rugby commentator at Carisbrook from 1993 to 2011, and is now known as the ‘Voice of Forsyth Barr Stadium’, having called many Highlanders and All Blacks victories from the commentary box.
Allison has also been on the Sport New Zealand Board, the New Zealand Masters Games Executive Committee, a Trustee of the Winter Games New Zealand Trust and a life trustee of the Halberg Disability Sport Foundation.
For his services to sport, he was appointed as a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2015.
Grant Fox
Former New Zealand fly-half Grant Fox became known as “Super Boot” after setting a new standard for goal kickers in world rugby. His record of 4112 points in NZ first class rugby is unlikely to ever be surpassed.
From 1985 to 1993 Fox wore the All Black number 10 jersey, and in 46 test matches he amassed 645 points (one try, 118 conversions, 128 penalties, seven drop goals).
In 1995 he was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire for services to rugby, and is now a commentator, All Blacks selector, and a popular public speaker.
Josh Kronfeld
Kronfeld is one of this country’s most admired and popular rugby players. After making his All Black debut against Canada at Eden Park in 1995, he played against South Africa in that same year’s Rugby World Cup final. In 1998 he was named the NZ Rugby Player of the Year. After 54 All Black tests, 42 Super Rugby matches for the Highlanders, and 69 for Otago, Kronfeld left New Zealand to play for English club the Leicester Tigers in 2001. He returned to his home country and retired from first-class rugby in 2003.
Stan Meads
Regarded by many as New Zealand’s best ever locking combination, Stan and Colin Meads formed a formidable partnership in the engine of the All Black scrum during the 1960s. Stan was a key contributor to the All Blacks’ success during that decade and was only twice on the losing side in his 30 appearance for his country. Although Stan never received the same rugby limelight as his brother, Colin openly said “Without being parochial, biased or unduly moved by brotherly love, I would say Stan was the best partner of the many great ones I had".
Jaco Peyper
South African, Jaco Peyper is regarded as one of the world’s leading referees.
Since making his Super Rugby debut in 2008 and international debut as a referee in 2011, Peyper has officiated at two Rugby World Cups. In total he has refereed more than 100 Super rugby matches and over 50 tests. Jaco is a qualified lawyer and still operates as an attorney for his family business. During the past decade, Peyper has refereed the All Blacks on 16 occasions (only three people have refereed more) – with the All Blacks winning 15 and the other match resulting in a draw.
He possesses a keen sense of humour which was evident during the 2021 Currie Cup final when his comments when viral. Scrum-half Jaden Hendriske challenged a call the referee made during the match to which Peyper said: “You’ve got a lot of advice for your first Currie Cup (final)”.
