Springbok takes Auckland leap of faith
07 Jul 2010
Legendary former Springbok rugby player Percy Montgomery has taken a huge leap of faith - just for fun - in New Zealand.
Montgomery joined thousands of other adventurous tourists yesterday (6.07.2010) when he bungy jumped off Auckland’s iconic Sky Tower.
During the SkyJump - one of the world’s longest land based adventure jumps - Montgomery fell 192 metres in 11 seconds.
The Springbok kicking coach and former full-back described the SkyJump as a definite must do for anyone coming to Auckland.
"It’s intense but I’ve never experienced anything like this before and it’s so awesome seeing the view. I’ll definitely do it again during Rugby World Cup," Montgomery said.
RWC 2011 lead-up
Montgomery is in Auckland with the Springbok team as they prepare for the Tri-Nations game against the All Blacks at Eden Park this weekend.
The Springbok rugby team’s visit to Auckland is also seen as an important part of preparations for Rugby World Cup 2011, as the city prepares to host the team during the rugby tournament.
"With Auckland set to welcome thousands of South Africans next September, offshore exposure like this helps to raise awareness of what our region has to offer," Osborne said.
The Springbok team had an open training session at Onewa Domain on Auckland’s North Shore, where they will be based during Rugby World Cup 2011.
Background: Auckland and RWC 2011
The 2011 Rugby World Cup tournament will kick off at Eden Park in Auckland on 9 September 2011, and the final match will be played in the same venue on 23 October 2011.
Preparations throughout the city are well underway, with Eden Park’s new six-level, 21,500-seat South Stand on target for November 2010 completion. The stadium will have a permanent capacity of 50,000, with 10,000 temporary seats boosting capacity for RWC 2011.
Training venues for 12 rugby teams are also receiving improvements to fields, lighting and buildings.
In downtown Auckland, Queens Wharf is destined to become "the people's wharf" fan zone with an entertainment facility, media lounge and cruise ship terminal.
Further along the waterfront on Halsey Street Wharf - in Auckland’s Viaduct Harbour - construction is underway on the city’s new 6000sqm multi-purpose facility, the Viaduct Events Centre.
Auckland Airport developments include a new four-star-plus Novotel hotel beside the international terminal, and a 120-room Formule 1 budget hotel.
Auckland’s big city blend of harbour, islands, Polynesian culture and modern downtown has created a unique urban outdoors lifestyle. Natural assets make it a great destination for land and water activities - from bungy to sailing, casino to wildlife experiences, food and wines - or getting away from it all on island sanctuaries.
North Shore City - New Zealand’s fourth largest city - is a ferry ride or quick drive over the harbour bridge from Auckland’s downtown, and home to many ‘Aucklanders’. This vibrant city inhabits an ancient volcanic landscape fringed by sandy beaches with spectacular coastal views of the Hauraki Gulf and its islands.
Video: Percy Montgomery takes a SkyJump
More information
New Zealand-wide 2011 festival
Authentic Kiwi hospitality for 2011 rugby fans
Kiwi rugby star ambassadors for 2011 RWC
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