All Blacks to train in Christchurch - Sports News - Fanatics - the world's biggest events

All Blacks to train in Christchurch

25/03/2011 10:39:11 AM Comments (0)

Christchurch will remain part of the All Blacks' World Cup campaign, despite not hosting any matches.

The team has elected to spend five days in the city in September in the week between their matches against Japan and France, All Blacks Manager Darren Shand said.

"As soon as the announcement was made that Christchurch would not be hosting any rugby World Cup games we started making plans to take the team to the city during the tournament and we are delighted that we are now able to make it happen," Shand said.

"As we all know, the Canterbury region is a rugby stronghold.

"The All Blacks have a massive fan base there and many people are doing it tough so we want to give something back."

Christchurch was stripped of five pool games and two quarter-finals after AMI Stadium sustained damage in last month's earthquake.

All Blacks captain Richie McCaw said training in Christchurch during the tournament would benefit the fans and his players too.

"Christchurch has always been a great host city for the team and it's awesome that we've got the opportunity to come back and spend time with our fans in Christchurch.

"It certainly will make a huge difference to the players - especially those of us who live here - and we hope the fans enjoy it as well."

The All Blacks will fly to Christchurch on September 17, the day after their match against Japan in Hamilton, and fly to Auckland later in the week to prepare to play France at Eden Park September 24.

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