16 Mar 2011

All Blcks to play extra match

8:02 am on 16 March 2011

The New Zealand Rugby Union says the All Blacks will play an extra match this year ahead of the Tri Nations to help their international season preparations and raise rebuilding funds for Christchurch.

Chief executive Steve Tew said the tentative date is Friday 22 July, eight days before the All Blacks play their first Tri Nations match against South Africa in Wellington.

Tew says the opposition and venue have yet to be confirmed and it's hoped that'll be done by the end of the month with fund-raising activity details to be confirmed in due course.

All Blacks Coach Graham Henry says with six weeks between the end of the Super Rugby playoffs and the first Tri Nations test they were keen for another match.

Henry says it's great if they can also use the opportunity to raise funds for the people of Christchurch.