The Western Force today unveiled its Super Rugby AU Anzac Round jersey to be worn in Friday night’s clash with the Queensland Reds at HBF Park.
Inspired by the Anzacs, the jersey design features a silhouette of Australian soldiers, the commemorative red poppy and the Legacy WA logo.
The Force has partnered with Legacy WA to support fundraising efforts over the Anzac Day weekend. Legacy provides help for the families of Australian Defence Force men and women who have lost their lives or their health as a result of their service.
Volunteers will be located around HBF Park shaking tins for donations. Donations to Legacy WA at the game will be matched up to $20,000 through the generous support of the Forrest Family Foundation.
Spectators will be treated to a number of activities to commemorate Anzac Day including a pre-game ceremony involving The Ode to Remembrance, The Last Post and the national anthems of both Australia and New Zealand.
The inaugural Hughes Dreibergs Cup curtain raiser match between the Australian Defence Force and WA Police Service will also take place at HBF Park from 3:25pm.
The cup, named after Deputy Commissioner and Force fan Gary Dreibergs, a recipient of the Australian Police Medal and long-serving police officer, and Bruce Hughes, a former serving officer in the Australian army and passionate rugby supporter for over 50 years, promises to be an entertaining contest.
Western Force Chief Executive Officer Tony Lewis said the Anzac Round was set to be a memorable occasion.
“It’s important to thank and pay our respects to all servicemen and women and we will be doing so on Friday night,” Lewis explained.
“The jersey looks fantastic and we’re delighted to be partnering with Legacy WA. We urge all fans at HBF Park to contribute what they can to help those families impacted by conflict.”
Captain Ian Prior echoed Lewis’s sentiment.
“It’s an honour to be able to commemorate the heroics of the Anzacs and current Australian and New Zealand armed forces in this manner,” Prior said.
“This is close to my heart, as my sister is currently serving with the Australian Defence Force. I’m incredibly proud of her and humbled to use our platform as a club to show our support and respect.”
The Western Force is encouraging any Members and fans who are veterans to wear their medals to the game on Friday night.
It’s all on the line this Friday night at HBF Park with kick-off at 5:45pm, as a Force win over the Reds would secure a place in the Super Rugby AU finals.
The Anzac Round jersey can be purchased exclusively on game day at the merch pods.
