Wellington rugby star Victor Vito accepted a certificate of appreciation from the Commissioner of Police, Howard Broad today on behalf of players from the WRFU.
The players were commended by Mr Broad for their participation in a domestic violence campaign during a visit to Samoa last year.
Ten members of the Hurricanes and Lions teams visited Samoa for personal development training in November. While there they supported the NZAid Pacific Prevention of Domestic Violence Programme (PPDVP), taking the message "Break the Silence, End the Violence" into villages and schools throughout the country.
The PPDVP is funded through NZAid and run by NZ Police. Its aim is to increase the capability of police in the Pacific to prevent and deal with domestic violence.
Programme manager for the PPDVP, Cam Ronald said the collaboration with Wellington rugby was a first for the PPDVP and the players made a huge impact wherever they went.
"We were impressed with their professional commitment to this project and today we wanted to formally thank them for their contribution and assistance with the programme." Mr Ronald said.
"These young men are role-models both here and in the Pacific and it was a fantastic opportunity for us to have them supporting the domestic violence message while in Samoa."
"Most of the 10 players who went to Samoa have very close ties with the country, having either been born there or having family there. They are hugely respected by the people in Samoa, especially young men and boys, a key audience for the anti-domestic violence message.
The players also made a series of three advertisements while there that will run on Samoan television during the high profile Super 14 season games.
Players who went to Samoa were:
Piri Weepu
Victor Vito
John Schwalger
David Smith
Buxton Popoalii
Arden David-Perrot
Api Naikatini
Anthony Perenise
Robert Fruean
Alama Ieremia (assistant coach)
ENDS
For more information contact:
Jane Archibald
NZ Police
04 474 9442
027 568 0267