RWC 2011 - two years to go

Siosia Latu receiving the first limited edition rugby ball from Grant Fox.

First recipient: Siosia Latu from Mt Albert's Gladstone Primary School received the first limited edition rugby ball from legendary All Black, Grant Fox.

From City Scene, published on 13 September, 2009.

Auckland celebrated exactly two years to go until the opening match of Rugby World Cup 2011 (RWC 2011) at an event in Queen Elizabeth Square on Wednesday, 9 September.

Festivities for the event included the opportunity to meet former All Blacks - many from the 1987 RWC-winning team - and watch schoolchildren compete in a Rippa Rugby game.

One of the children, Siosia Latu (10) from Mt Albert's Gladstone Primary School, was also the lucky recipient of a special rugby ball presented to him by legendary All Black, Grant Fox.

This was the first of 24 limited edition balls to be given away - one for each month leading up to the tournament. Each ball will be presented by a former Auckland All Black and will tell the story of Auckland's lead up to RWC 2011.

The 24 recipients of the limited edition rugby balls will be involved in Auckland's opening celebrations on 9 September 2011. One lucky ball recipient will also win two tickets to the opening match between the All Blacks and Tonga at Eden Park.

Keep an eye on the Auckland 2011 website for details of future rugby ball giveaways.