CDF LAUNCHES IDRC

Local rugby fans will have the opportunity to warm up for the World Cup with some first class international rugby action.

The Chief of the Defence Force, General David Hurley today officially launched the inaugural International Defence Rugby Competition.  

"Today's launch is the culmination of two years of hard work to turn an idea into a reality," General Hurley said.

Twelve teams representing nine nations will compete for the title of World Champions and the opportunity to play in Auckland, New Zealand in the final days of the Rugby World Cup in October.

General Hurley said the International Defence Rugby Competition 2011 would celebrate the rich history of Rugby Union that exists within many of the world’s defence forces.

"The Australian Defence Force is proud to host this inaugural event in partnership with the New Zealand Defence Force," General Hurley said.

"My long term hope is that the International Defence Rugby Competition will become a regular fixture held in conjunction with the Rugby World Cup; at the same time and in the same country" said General Hurley.

The International Defence Rugby Competition 2011 kicks off in Canberra on Saturday 01 October with a match between the Tongan Defence Services and the People's Liberation Army of China.

Headline photo:
IDRC Committee - LTCOL Roger Hooper (Deputy Competition Director), GEN David Hurley (CDF & Patron IDRC), BRIG Bob Brown (Chairman IDRC Committee) & Mr Glenn Crosland (Competition Director).