TLA teaming up with NZ Rugby for anniversary match at Twickers

Athlete representation and sports marketing company TLA Worldwide announced on Monday that it has been appointed by New Zealand Rugby as its partner to manage and deliver the 125th anniversary match in November this year.

The AIM-traded firm said the match would see current world champions, the All Blacks, celebrate the 125th anniversary of NZ Rugby with a special commemorative game against the Barbarians at Twickenham on 4 November, for the opening game of their 2017 end-of-year Northern Hemisphere tour.

It would be the first time the All Blacks have returned to Twickenham since winning the Rugby World Cup in 2015.

As the event agency, TLA's role would be to organise and deliver all aspects of the match, with the board saying it was a continuation of a “strong working relationship” between the two organisations.

Previous matches organised by TLA in partnership with New Zealand Rugby included the two sell-out All Blacks matches in Chicago, against the US national team in 2014 and Ireland in 2016.

The game would mark the 11th time that the Barbarians and the All Blacks have played in their history.

New Zealand’s national team, the All Blacks have won seven of the previous outings, with the Barbarians winning on two occasions and one draw.

The All Blacks last played the Barbarians in 2009 and would reportedly be looking to avenge a 25-18 loss in a match that saw South African Bryan Habana score a hat-trick of tries.

“We are delighted to announce the match against the Barbarians,” said NZ Rugby CEO Steve Tew.

“Like the All Blacks, the Barbarians are part of rugby's rich history and the match later this year is a befitting way to mark our 125th anniversary.

“Playing the Barbarians is always a special occasion and we think our shared history make this game the most appropriate way to mark our milestone.”

Barbarians president Micky Steele-Bodger said the organisation was “thrilled” to be renewing one of “rugby's great rivalries” at Twickenham in November, and he believed it would be another “classic encounter” between two famous teams.

“The Barbarians expect to bring together some of the world's greatest players to take on the All Blacks and to play with the style and attacking flair that the club's traditions demand.”

Bart Campbell, TLA Chairman, explained that the company looked forward to working with the All Blacks again for what would be a “showpiece event” at Twickenham.

“A game between the world champions and the Barbarians will highlight the best rugby has to offer.

“This match demonstrates our excellent relationship with New Zealand Rugby, whom we are delighted to partner with for this anniversary match, which is another endorsement in our ability to deliver quality sporting events.”