Robbie Deans makes a return to the Christchurch sporting scene on Sunday, December 7, when he captains an Invitational XI against a Crusaders XI in the annual cystic fibrosis cricket fund-raiser at Hagley Oval.
Deans, the former coach of the Crusaders who is currently touring Europe in charge of the Wallabies, is a long-time supporter of the cystic fibrosis fund-raiser.
He will join new Crusaders coach Todd Blackadder in a team which includes Canterbury Air New Zealand Cup coach Robb Penney, former New Zealand cricket captain Lee Germon, Canterbury Bulls league coach Brent Stuart, former Kiwis league international Aaron Whittaker and Tall Blacks basketballer Jeremy Kench.
The Crusaders XI will be captained by Leon MacDonald and includes Casey Laulala, Wyatt Crockett, Thomas Waldrom and possibly Canterbury captain Kieran Read, a talented cricketer who is currently in the United Kingdom on his first All Blacks tour.
Caroline Wagteveld, of the Cystic Fibrosis Association of New Zealand (CFANZ), said Deans signalled his willingness to return to lead the Invitational XI straight after last year’s match. “It’s a testament to Robbie’s great commitment to Cystic Fibrosis New Zealand. Despite his impending work in Australia he said ‘count me in for next year’. We are all really grateful for that.”
A big plus for all spectators will be the chance to meet and receive autographs from their heroes. Wagteveld added: “We are encouraging people to bring along their favourite Crusaders gear and get it signed by their heroes. Players will be available to sign things while their team is batting.
“CFANZ is grateful for the on-going support from such sponsors as The Christchurch Casino, ASB, Coca-Cola and DB, who all contribute to make this a fabulous day out for the whole family.”
The match starts at 11am. Admission is free and there will an auction of sporting memorabilia at 1pm.
TEAMS:
Crusaders XI
(From)
Leon MacDonald
Wyatt Crockett
Kieran Read
Colin Slade
Adam Whitelock
George Whitelock
Sean Maitland
Tim Bateman
Ryan Crotty
Thomas Waldrom
Nasi Manu
Casey Laulala
Invitational XI
Robbie Deans (c)
Todd Blackadder
Simon Barnett
Jon Preston
Rob Penney
Lee Germon
Shayne Philpott
Tim Blake
Brent Stuart
Aaron Whittaker
Jeremy Kench
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