AIG RUGBY SAFETY AWARDS FINALISTS ANNOUNCED

AIG , the Official Insurance Partner of New Zealand Rugby, today  announced the six finalists for the AIG Rugby Safety Awards. Each club will receive USD$5,000 to help improve safety at their rugby club, with the  overall winner receiving a further USD$20,000.

The entries were judged in London by three current All Blacks players - 

Charles Piutau, Victor Vito, James Parsons - and legend Sean Fitzpatrick,  ahead of the All Blacks fixture against England (Saturday 8 November, 2014).

The awards program, which launched Wednesday 20 August 2014, across six  global regions (Europe, North America, Australasia, South America, Asia 

and Africa), invited rugby clubs to submit videos and photographs  showcasing how they are improving safety at their rugby club.

The six winning entries, receiving the most points were Poneke Football Club 

(New Zealand), Rye Rugby (USA), Melbourne High School (Australia), Projeto UMRio (Brazil), Waiheke Island (New Zealand) and Leones de San  Marcos (Peru). The finalists will be showcased at www.AIG.com/SafeRugby 

until 25 November for the public to vote for the overall winner.

Speaking about the awards, Daniel Glantz, Global Head of Sponsorship at 

AIG commented, “The AIG Rugby Safety Awards have encouraged conversation around safety in rugby, and we are extremely proud of all the clubs who took part.”AIG is committed to growing the game of rugby around the world by taking the sport to new territories and encouraging young people to participate.  AIG, who also support USA Rugby, the Japanese Rugby Federation, and 

youth programs such as Play Rugby USA, is aiming to highlight the  importance of safe practice, to help ensure safer rugby globally.