THE MATCH 2022 – CAB Vs Spain
On 21 May 2022, THE MATCH was held in Madrid, a unique event, defined by the press as the great festival of support for Spanish rugby and which marked the beginning of a new era for the sport.
Due to the health crisis resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, THE MATCH had to change its date on two occasions, but KiwiHouse continued working to organise and produce a sporting event at the highest level with the aim of promoting Spanish rugby and showing unconditional support for the players of the Spanish national team.
40,000 fans turned out at the Wanda Metropolitano to support the Leones and enjoy the Classic All Blacks game. The rain and lightning made their appearance with the first sounds of the haka and added a touch of magic to the match that will mark a before and after in the history of oval sport in our country.
The match was designed in exhibition mode, with long rosters and free changes, which allowed to see a quality rugby and different rhythms that ended with the victory of the New Zealanders. The Leones displayed their best rugby, once again vindicating on the pitch the place they deserve.
During the previous week, different events, and acts to promote rugby took place in which the city of Madrid as World Capital of Sport 2022 played a leading role.
- Official reception in Plaza de Oriente (Madrid City Hall)
On Monday 16th May, coinciding with the Fiestas de San Isidro, the Mayor of Madrid, José Luis Martínez-Almeida and the Deputy Mayoress, Begoña Villacís, accompanied by Sofía Miranda, Councillor for Sports of the City Council of Madrid, received the teams participating in THE MATCH in the Plaza Oriente. The captains spoke about the importance of this match and the values of rugby and thanked the city of Madrid for the warm welcome they were receiving.
The Classic All Blacks wanted to show their gratitude to the city and to all those who had come to see them performing their famous Haka, giving a historic moment that had great media coverage.
- Clinic in Madrid Rugby Schools
A fundamental part of rugby and especially of the All Blacks is the legacy, that is why they always try to approach all the practitioners and lovers of this sport, trying to transmit both the values and the technique.
During their visit to Madrid, the Classic All Blacks did not want to miss the opportunity to visit different schools and municipal pitches, which is why KiwiHouse organised two clinics that allowed the youngest players to train with some of their idols.
The first clinic was held at the Los Arbolitos municipal rugby field and from more than 300 applications, 100 boys and girls from different rugby schools in Madrid were selected in strict order of registration.
The second Clinic, after drawing lots in different Clubs, was held in Torrelodones and the team’s youth team was able to enjoy the different tips from several Classic All Blacks.
- Opening Ceremony with Rugby Clubs from all over Spain
In appreciation of their contribution to the development of national rugby, KiwiHouse wanted to pay tribute to all the clubs in Spain and offered them the opportunity to have several boys and girls from each team involved in THE MATCH by taking part in the opening ceremony.
The initiative was widely applauded by the clubs and more than 60 children from 40 different clubs, dressed in their official kits, were able to take to the pitch at the Wanda Metropolitano to accompany the Classic All Blacks and the Leones.
- Wanda Metropolitano stadium FanZone
From 12 noon on the day of the event, a fantastic FanZone was held on the outdoor platform of the Wanda Metropolitano stadium.
The FanZone featured live music, solidarity exhibitions, rugby talks, official merchandise shops and numerous activities for young and old.
After the match, the bars remained open so that all the fans could enjoy the famous third half.
THE MATCH, produced to the highest standard, has established KiwiHouse as the leading organiser of sporting events in this discipline. The data has been overwhelming and after analysing the diffusion, a very high media impact has been achieved, with more than 300 articles in the press, radio and national television.
