Meet the All Blacks - get free Rugby World Cup ball

Michael Jones, Rugby World Cup Volunteer Ambassador, is one of New Zealand's greatest rugby stars, an iconic All Black, member of the RWC 1987 winning New Zealand team and a former coach of Manu Samoa.

Frano Botica is one of the few athletes who has worn Triple Black Jerseys, having played for the New Zealand Sevens, All Blacks (both rugby union) and Kiwis (rugby league). He has also been a New Zealand Maori representative.

Official Legend of League Tawera Nikau will be a special guest following his debut NY Marathon, seven years after losing a leg in a motorcycle accident.

PLAY RUGBY IN NZ | A Once in a Lifetime Experience
Tickets to this special event will raise funds to send two New York City Public High School students to play rugby and study in New Zealand with some of the top coaches and athletes in the world; proceeds will also provide two player/coach exchanges in 2011. Scholarships generously provided by AUT University and FRIENDS OF AUT, a 501c3 tax deductible charity. High school students will earn the scholarships through the Play Rugby USA program.

TWO RETURN FLIGHTS TO NZ | A Once in a Lifetime Journey
Join the live auction for two round-trip airfares to New Zealand, kindly donated by Goway Travel Ltd. Additional auction items include autographed rugby products and rare limited edition New Zealand artworks.

Meet Michael Jones and Frano Botica in person at an exclusive pre-event cocktail hour following a traditional Maori powhiri (welcome). Note VIP tickets include General Entry from 7pm-9.30pm as below.

Experience Pacific inspired cuisine and culture, New Zealand wine and hospitality with world-class rugby stars. Chair of the USA Rugby Board and Saatchi & Saatchi Worldwide CEO Kevin Roberts will moderate a panel discussion with special guests on “the strengths of rugby as an international model for success”.