Renowned All Blacks and Crusaders number eight, Kieran Read, is poised to make a comeback in the Southland Charity Hospital’s Pack the Park 2024 charity match. The 36-year-old, honored as World Rugby Player of the Year in 2013, with 127 Test appearances for New Zealand from 2008 to 2019, is the first major player confirmation for the eagerly anticipated event scheduled for January 27 at Southland’s Rugby Park Stadium in Invercargill.
Melissa Vining, the hospital’s founder, expressed her excitement about Read’s participation and anticipates a full Rugby Park Stadium for the charity match. She is delighted that Read has committed to the event and mentioned that he is just the first of many exciting player announcements.
The captains for the Blair Vining XV and the Invitational XV, two teams participating in Pack the Park 2024, will be revealed on Friday. Read, recommended for the event by former All Blacks teammate and Southland rugby legend Corey Flynn, stands as a strong contender. The Blair Vining XV will face the Invitational XV, featuring talented players from across New Zealand.
The inaugural Pack the Park match occurred in October 2020 as a bucket list game for Blair Vining, a tribute and fundraiser for the hospital. The 2024 edition aims to express gratitude to the community for contributing to its success. Although tickets for the grandstand and family area were fully booked by Tuesday, tickets for the terraces are still available. Admission to the charity match is free, but reservations must be made through Ticketek.
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