Kiwi sporting culture takes flight for Rugby World Cup 2015   13 Sep 2015

Kiwi sporting culture takes flight for Rugby World Cup 2015

What happens when you put Rugby World Cup 2011 heroes, iconic Kiwi musicians Dave Dobbyn and Herbs, some ex-All Blacks superstars, New Zealand's most well-known sports comedians and hundreds of passionate All Blacks supporters on two planes bound for the third biggest sporting event in the world?

"A whole lot of fun,” says All Blacks Tours' General Manager, David Caldwell.

All Blacks Tours has announced new details of its two highly anticipated Rugby World Cup 2015 Fan Flights due to depart on 13 October and 21 October, the first being hosted by Sir Graham 'Ted' Henry while Stephen 'Beaver' Donald will be looking after fans on the later flight.

Frank Bunce, Eric Rush, Herbs, Dave Dobbyn and The Alternative Commentary Collective (The ACC) will be the new names joining the Rugby World Cup 2011 winning duo in a celebration of NZ sporting culture, says Mr Caldwell.

“There will be a few rugby stories from Ted, Beaver, Frank and Eric, some iconic NZ music from Dave Dobbyn and Herbs and a lot of laughs. It will be a entirely fitting and unique way for these passionate All Blacks fans to start their Rugby World Cup 2015 journey.”

Jeremy Wells from The Alternative Commentary Collective is excited about the upcoming Fan Flight, although says the group are having a few logistical issues getting their famous caravan to the UK.

“Despite clearing out Leigh Hart's extensive taxidermy collection, it appears that the caravan is still above the maximum 23kg allowance for baggage,” says Jeremy. "We are working with customs and the relevant authorities to find an alternative option, one of which is fully dismantling it and asking passengers to take a piece each”

The ACC will let fans on board the 'Beaver' Fan Flight test their commentary skills with a series of Rugby Commentary Clinics.

Stephen Donald says he can’t wait to experience what promises to be a truly unique rugby experience.

"Its going to be epic,” said Beaver. “Practicing my commentary skills at 40,000 feet, singing along with Herbs and sharing some yarns with fans will be a great way to start the trip of a lifetime.”

Sir Graham Henry was looking forward to the chance to enjoy Rugby World Cup 2015 as a fan.

"For an All Blacks fan It doesn’t get better being at Millennium Stadium or Twickenham, helping the All Blacks add to the greatest legacy in sport,” said Sir Graham.

"To witness the All Blacks win back-to-back Rugby World Cups and become the first New Zealand side to win away from home will be a unique experience."

Ted Fan Flight

Departs 13 October:

• Sir Graham Henry

• Frank Bunce

• Jim Kayes

• Dave Dobbyn

Beaver Fan Flight

Departs 21 October:

• Stephen Donald

• Eric Rush

• Herbs

• Alternative Commentary Collective (Jeremy Wells, Matt Heath, Mike Lane, Leigh Hart, Jason Hoyt)

All Blacks Tours has a limited number of seats remaining on the fan flights, with prices starting from $5,995 for return flights and official RWC 2015 match tickets. Visit www.allblackstours.com or phone 0800 87 2011 today.

The entertainment is not limited to the Fan Flights. All Blacks Tours are also hosting two Official All Blacks Supporters events in London where fans will have the opportunity to mingle with the various rugby icons and experience live music from Dave Dobbyn and Herbs as well as entertainment from The ACC. The first event is headlined by Dave Dobbyn and will take place in London on 23 October and Herbs will perform at a larger event on 29 October in Battersea, South London.

ENDS

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