KEY POINTS:
All Blacks Greg Somerville, Andy Ellis and Brendon Leonard will head to Papua New Guinea this weekend to support Save the Children New Zealand's efforts there, the charity said today.
The three World Cup rugby players would spend four days in PNG, where they would pitch in with carpentry and painting to help to build a health clinic for some of the world's poorest children.
They were due to fly to PNG on Sunday and their itinerary would included the town of Wewak, the village of Kambot and the capital, Port Moresby.
They would also visit a centre for disabled children and teach rugby skills to local children.
Save the Children NZ director John Bowis said the trip would be a great opportunity for the players to see first hand the impact of the charity's work.
"We applaud them for also being willing to get their hands dirty for a good cause."
PNG is Save the Children NZ's largest programme.
The charity has been active in the country for more than 30 years and spends nearly $5 million annually there.
Its work includes helping children to get access to health and education services and delivering programmes for children affected by HIV and Aids, abuse and disabilities.
Save the Children NZ is the All Blacks' official charity and the relationship began in 2005 after the Asian tsunami.
It said the All Blacks helped by raising awareness of the plight of children in New Zealand and abroad.
- NZPA
