Rugby fans will get up close and personal with five of the most prestigious cups held by the New Zealand Rugby Union, when the Trophy Tour arrives in Queenstown tomorrow.
The union will display the Bledisloe Cup, Tri Nations Trophy, Hillary Shield, IRB Women's Rugby World Cup and IRB Junior World Championship Trophy, at the Queenstown Recreation Ground between 4pm and 8pm, as part of its nationwide tour.
The tour kick starts a schedule of community events in the run-up to the Rugby World Cup 2011 in September.
Otago Academy players will share their passing, catching and kicking skills and a game will be organised for children to enjoy.
Residents will be able to register for the 2011 club season.
Otago Rugby Football Union club-school liaison officer Brett Compton said the Otago Rugby Football Union would also be there, to advise people how they can get involved in rugby at any age, be that playing, coaching or administration.
"There's a role for everyone in New Zealand rugby and we would love to have you involved, so what better year to join than in Rugby World Cup year, the year we will again confirm our true international status as the best rugby playing and supporting nation in the world," Mr Compton said in a statement.
Fans will be able to have their photograph taken with the trophies and there will be plenty of entertainment, including a bouncy castle and waterslide, sausage sizzle, refreshments and All Black merchandise available for purchase.
Queenstown will host the Irish, English and Romanian teams during Rugby World Cup 2011.
A schedule for community engagement during their time in the resort was being negotiated.
Team schedules will balance a mix of training, recreation and community events.
The Irish team's visit will also include both an official airport and civic welcome, with Queenstown being their official port of entry to New Zealand.
