Minute's silence before USA opener
A minute’s silence honouring the dead from the September 11, 2001 terror attacks will be held prior to the United States’ opening World Cup match against Ireland, the President of the International Rugby Board (IRB) announced on Sunday.
Bernard Lapasset said that the rugby world wanted to do their bit at next Sunday’s game, which falls exactly ten years on from the day nearly 3,000 people were killed in the worst terror strikes on US soil.
“We have put in place a system that will allow us to commemorate September 11, which is respectful of the memory of those who died and notably the rugby family who were touched by this tragic event,” said the Frenchman.
“In matters of security, we of course co-ordinated matters with the New Zealand government.
“For the moment there has been no alerts, no potential threat, everything is under control.”
Lapasset also said that there would be special banners adorning the stadium in New Plymouth.
The IRB were unable to confirm whether the two other matches on September 11 – Australia against Italy in North Harbour and defending champions South Africa against Wales in Wellington – would also be preceded by a minute’s silence.
AFP
