All Blacks flanker Sam Cane, centre, could be back home next Friday in a special promotional visit. Photo / Greg Bowker
All Blacks flanker Sam Cane, centre, could be back home next Friday in a special promotional visit. Photo / Greg Bowker
The All Blacks are coming to town to meet and greet fans in a special promotional visit next Friday.
Four of the yet-to-be-named European Tour squad will visit Pillans Point School, then on to Otumoetai College for a coaching session with local Western Bay Year 9 and 10 students from11am.
After lunch the public will have a chance to mix and mingle with the All Blacks in the Tauranga downtown CBD for some activities on the waterfront.
The flying visit is part of the annual All Blacks to the Nation visits to different parts of New Zealand to say thanks to fans for all their support this year ahead of the northern hemisphere tour.
Bay of Plenty Rugby Union's chief executive Mike Rogers said they had been working hard on making the All Blacks' visit to town a memorable one for fans and the players.
"We only have the boys on the ground for a few hours, but we're determined to get them meeting as many people as possible."
All Blacks captain Richie McCaw said the players enjoyed the opportunity to visit cities and towns that don't normally get to see the All Blacks up close.
"We know that we have huge support from all parts of the country and our fans are a big part of what makes this team special," McCaw said.
"The visits have become popular with the guys as it really is a day for us to thank our supporters, and the flying visits were the ideal way to kick start the European Tour."
The All Blacks squad for the European Tour will be announced on Sunday.
The other provinces lucky enough to get a visit are Pukekohe, Matamata, Palmerston North, Nelson, Timaru and Arrowtown.
