Opponent wanted for rugby match...at 2340m (+ video)

The Glacier Country Cup match on Fox Neve. Photo / Peter Hlavacek - nzicescapes.com

After being snubbed of any Rugby World Cup games West Coasters have organised their own match that will have one thing over the official games later this year. The ground can only be reached by helicopter.

All they need is an opponent.

The chance to play a game against the reigning Glacier Country Cup champions the, Fox Glacier Cunning Foxes, at Fox Neve is awaiting the winner of a competition set up by the Glacier Country Tourism Group to draw tourists south during the Rugby World Cup.

The competition requires entrants to film themselves and six others playing a short game of rugby, with creativity encouraged. The prize is valued at $50,000 and includes seven international flights, accommodation, transport, dining experiences, and activities.

The 'Glacier Country Rugby Experience' aims to create an awareness of the West Coast and to cement the Glaciers in people's 'must-do' list during and after the tournament.

Social Eyes Director Steve Wilson says despite the West Coast getting "left out of the equation" when it came to hosting matches and teams, the West Coast and Glacier Country areas are determined to be placed firmly on the map.

"The Rugby World Cup is going to bring 85-95,000 people to these shores.

"We [wanted to] have a competition that creates awareness of the West Coast...It is a must-visit place and the glaciers are a must-do activity," he says.

To get the competition rolling the Glacier Country Tourism Group created a mockumentary-style video featuring the Glacier Country Cup match between the Fox Glacier Cunning Foxes and Franz Josef Eagles.

Played on the Fox Glacier number two ground at a height of 2340 metres, which at 36 square km could fit 7200 rugby fields, the Foxes came out on top and now await their next opponent.

Produced by Motion Pacific's Tony Burrows, he says the video involved a number of locals who were prepared to act as rugby players in the film.
Burrows says they wanted to produce a video that was "uniquely New Zealand."

"We wanted it to be a genuine kiwi experience with a home-grown feel, but still nicely show what's special about this part of the world."

Wilson is calling on the New Zealand community to get behind the competition and spread the word, pointing out that it is a great opportunity for people to get seven friends from overseas to come and visit.

He notes that it is an innovative campaign using innovative tools to better connect with people.

"It's an exciting campaign that New Zealand can get behind and push the positive message that the South Island is open, Canterbury is open, and there's some really good stuff to do here," he says.

- HERALD ONLINE