News Letter

This is where you will find current information from those involved in the Sappers Association, this may include articles from our tri-annual newsletter or an article of interest that has been sent to the Sappers Secretary (click for email or see contacts)

"Cut off" dates for inclusion for articles in the Sappers Magazine are:

	15 March for April issue
	15 July for August issue
	15 November for December issue

If you wish to become a member of the New Zealand Sappers Association and receive the Sapper Magazine please send for an application form or download one from the Contacts Page

Example of a "Son of a B*tch" from the mine clearing team operating in the Sinai

KIWI SAPPERS WIN TRANS TASMAN RUGBY

In April 2002, after several months of informal discussions between the Royal Australian Engineers (RAE) and the Royal New Zealand Engineers (RNZE), the RAE formally invited the RNZE to compete in an international inter corps rugby match in Sydney as part of the RAE centenary celebrations. Permission was granted from the Land Component Commander to travel to Australia and compete against the RAE.

A campaign plan was decided upon with the intent for the tour as follows:

Purpose. To maximise opportunity offered by the Australian challenge to maintain longstanding links and to boost RNZE and NZ Army esprit de corps through the defeat of the RAE on the field of play.

Method. To select, concentrate, train and deploy a 25 person touring party from Linton making maximum use of NZDF and ADF resources. Fundraising to be co-ordinated centrally and utilise commercial, Corps, NZDF and privates sources.

Endstate. The team, having won the tournament, is safely returned to NZ, with morale high and bills paid.

A range of sponsors were approached and in addition to player contributions, generous support was provided by:

	The Princess Tavern Pub Trust,
	The Sappers Association,
	Linton Camp Sports Council,
	PAE (NZ) and RNZE Corps Funds.

The trip would not have been possible without the assistance of these organisations.

Nominations for management and players positions were called for from throughout the Corps and the final touring party consisted of WO1 Mark Williams (coach) SSgt Dean Esaiah (assistant coach), SSgt Brent Wilson (manager), Lt Col Paul Curry (tour leader) and 21 players. The team captain was Sgt Lyall Moody. The team assembled in Linton on 29 July and departed for Sydney on 30 July.

The match was a gala event at Victoria Barracks with corporate sponsors, a military band and the Australian Land Commander, Maj Gen Abigail in attendance. The New Zealand cheer squad was boosted by Majors Lyndon Blanchard and Paul Summers, Lt Col (RNZE, rtd) Bruce Jenkins and Lieutenants Neville Mosely and Andrew Mercer fresh off the RAE young officers (YO’s) course. Lieutenant Alistair Mitchell, also off the YO’s course added some depth to the New Zealand bench as a reserve.

The RNZE team (left) and RAE Corps rugby team outside Land Headquarters at Victoria Barracks

A call to Andrew Martin (All Black manager) the afternoon before the match secured a good luck wish from the AB’s in addition to the good will we received via number of calls from New Zealand.

Both teams were unknown quantities but it soon became apparent the RNZE forwards were able to dominate the set plays and the New Zealand backs were able to dominate back play with good hands, slick moves and hard running. The RAE played with spirit and energy and at times held the Kiwis, but the benefits of having players who are playing regular rugby paid off. The RNZE won the match 25-0, all points being scored by unconverted tries.

NZ Capt Sgt Lyall Moody meets his opposite number

Player of the match was Sapper Rima Marurai (NZ) and the best back was Sapper Scott Warner (NZ). The formalities were completed with the RNZE Regimental Colonel, Lieutenant Colonel Paul Curry, presenting the RAE Deputy Head of Corps with a Maori carving as gift to commemorate the RAE centenary. The informalities then commenced with both teams retiring to a quiet inn to watch the Bledisloe Cup. Andy Martin obviously wasn’t able to clear his messages before the game, the news of the Sappers’ win may have been just the boost they needed!

Overall a fantastic game and excellent trip that reinforced the strong links between the two Corps. The RAE were excellent hosts and were most appreciative of the effort the RNZE had made to take part in their centenary celebrations. While we were glad to take part it was for a slightly different reason - to win and bring home the trophy. Just as well, someone had to beat Australia that day!

Endstate, mission accomplished!

RNZE Regimental Colonel, Lieutenant Colonel Paul Curry presents the RAE Deputy Head of Corps, Lieutenant Colonel Greg Bowyer, a carving on behalf of the RNZE to mark the RAE centenary.

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All enquiries about this website and its contents should be directed to: The Secretary, New Zealand Sappers Association Inc, c/- PNRSA, PO Box 88, Palmerston North, New Zealand - Contact the Secretary (Ken) by Phone +64-6-952 1245 and Fax +64-6-9531212 (bus hrs) or E-mail to admin@sappers.org.nz

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