Nude Rugby
Dunedin plays host to the annual Nude Rugby International, an event that is now recognised as the unofficial curtain raiser to rugby Test Matches in Dunedin.
In 2013 the Nude Blacks take on an invitaional Australian team as the unoffical curtain raiser to the final Bledisloe Cup match.
When: 3pm, Saturday 19 October
Where: Alhambra Union Rugby Ground
Nude Haka.MOV
History
The Nude rugby all began in 2002, with the Irish in town to play the All Blacks, when a local bus company (Bottom Bus!) was running packages for backpackers to visit Dunedin, experience the student atmosphere enjoy test match weekend Looking to add a little something for them to do before the game, the Nude Rugby International fixture was born. Held at St Clair beach ( the perfect spot for a nude mid winter rugby game ), this first game was fought between backpackers and local students for their version of world supremacy.
One of the icons of the first international that was held between Ireland and the Nude Blacks in 2002, was Fergus Mather of Tipperary. He became an international star as media honed in on the Irish captain and stories whizzed around the globe.
From its humble beginnings as a bit of fun to an annual event that generates international media attention and crowds in the thousands, Nude Rugby celebrates all that is unique about Dunedin - hardy souls taking on the world ( and the elements ) and not letting anything hinder the desire to have a good time.
From the European rugby strongholds to the high veldt of South Africa, many from around the world have gravitated to Dunedin to participate in this tradition, and 2011 will be a watershed year as we work towards a series of games that celebrate the world on our doorstep. Watch this space for dates and times around each game.
...more at link
http://www.dunedinnz.com/visit/events/sport/nude-rugby
