The Bledisloe Cup Festival has arrived early at the Museum of Sydney with the opening of the Rivals in Rugby Brothers in War display today.
Entry to the display is free and will run for two weeks from Friday 3 – Sunday 19 August, coinciding with the Museum of Sydney’s Home Front: Wartime Sydney 1939-45 exhibition.
Take a trip back and uncover the stories behind the humble beginnings of the now iconic Bledisloe Cup Tests between Australia and New Zealand. Witness the many artefacts, photos and memorabilia in a true testament to the heroes of the Bledisloe Cup and the Second World War. Learn more about the history and passion of the Cup and the contribution Rugby players from the Wallabies and All Blacks made during World War II.
The Bledisloe Cup itself will be on display as part of the exhibition on Friday 3 and Saturday 4 August, giving fans the chance to have their photo taken with the highly sought after piece of silverware, which was donated by Lord Bledisloe in 1931 during his tenure.
Australia and New Zealand have met on 167 occasions since they first met on a Rugby field in 1903. Since then they have developed one of Rugby’s most passionate rivalries and have also shared a close bond off the field as ANZACs fighting side by side through two World Wars.
Rivals in Rugby, Brothers in War, celebrates this affiliation showcasing exclusive pieces including photos, game programs, news clippings and classic Rugby attire celebrating one of Rugby’s ultimate sporting events.
ARU Managing Director and CEO, John O’Neill AO, said the display has something for everyone.
“ARU has worked closely with the Museum of Sydney to create a display that will interest Sports enthusiasts, Rugby fans and historians,” Mr O’Neill said.
“On show will be some never before seen photographs, a number of amazing stories and a several artefacts from Australian and New Zealand Rugby in the 1930s.
“The display tells the story of the beginning of the Bledisloe Cup and the contribution both the Wallabies and the All Blacks made to the Second World War.
“Since it’s donation by Lord Bledisloe in 1931 the Bledisloe Cup has become the symbol of trans-Tasman Rugby supremacy and for two days, Friday 3 and Saturday 4 August, the 9kg Cup will be on show at the Museum of Sydney.
“I encourage everyone to make time to get to the museum to visit this historical display and learn more about the history shared by the Wallabies and All Blacks.”
For more information on the Museum of Sydney’s opening time visit http://www.hht.net.au/museums/mos
The inaugural Bledisloe Cup Festival will officially commence on Friday 10 August and will feature a week-long series of events, lunches and more in the build up to the opening Test of The Castrol EDGE Rugby Championship and Bledisloe Cup of 2012.
The entire calendar of events for the Bledisloe Cup Festival can be found at www.rugby.com.au.