On Saturday April 21, the HSBC Waratahs will play the Melbourne Rebels for the Weary Dunlop Shield. Armed Forces Night will recognise and honour those from NSW and Victoria who served and who currently serve, including 388 New South Wales Rugby Union men who lost their lives in World War I, among them the President of the NSWRU, Major James McManamey.
The match, which takes place four days prior to Anzac Day, will be the third time the two teams have contested the Weary Dunlop Shield, the trophy named in honour of Sir Edward ‘Weary’ Dunlop, one of the great Australians and a Victorian rugby pioneer. It is awarded to the victor of each contest between the two teams.
The event is an important opportunity to recognise the Waratahs’ spirit that was born in the First Australian Imperial Force rugby team that formed in Egypt prior to leaving for the assault on Gallipoli.
As well as a curtain raiser between the Army and Navy, the evening will also see a special half time performance from the Navy Band, the playing of the Last Post by the Navy bugler, a reading of the oath and a moment’s silence to honour the fallen.
As part of Operation Rosemary, volunteers from the Australian Defence Forces will also be handing out rosemary sprigs to raise funds for Legacy, the charity providing services to Australian families suffering financially and socially after the death of a spouse or parent, during or after their defence force service.
Tickets for the FxPro Super Rugby round nine match between the HSBC Waratahs and Melbourne Rebels which takes place at the newly named Allianz Stadium in Moore Park on Saturday April 21 (kick off 7.40pm) are available online from Ticketek priced from $20 for adults, $10 for juniors and $50 for a family of four.
Alternatively, with the HSBC Waratahs taking on the Crusaders the following Sunday afternoon (April 29), fans can get great value match tickets to both games with 2 Game or 4 Game membership packages starting from just $38 for adults. As well as great competitively-priced match tickets, all membership packages include exclusive members-only newsletters, special offers and other exciting benefits. Find the package that’s right for you online or call our membership team today on 1300 733 899 or email waratahs@rugby.com.au.