Chiswick Moran Hotel shows support for Christchurch Earthquake Appeal by opening its doors to the Natal Sharks ahead of Sunday’s Twickenham match

As Twickenham prepared for the first Super Rugby match outside of the Southern Hemisphere, the Chiswick Moran Hotel welcomed South Africa’s Natal Sharks with open arms.

The team of 34, which included the Springbok captain John Smit, Tendai “Beast” Mtawarira, Jannie and Bismarck du Plessis and head coach John Plumtree, arrived on Friday 25 March, ahead of Sunday’s clash with New Zealand’s Canterbury Crusaders at Twickenham.

The Chiswick Moran Hotel agreed to host the Sharks, free of charge, in support of the Red Cross Christchurch Earthquake Appeal.

“The RFU is extremely grateful to the Chiswick Moran Hotel for allowing the Sharks team to stay with them, free of charge,” said an RFU spokesman.

“The devastating effects of the earthquake in Christchurch have united the rugby community and the opportunity for Twickenham to host the first Super 15 Rugby match outside of the Southern Hemisphere is one that we have grabbed with both hands. The generosity of the Chiswick Moran Hotel is a wonderful gesture of goodwill.”

“The Canterbury Crusaders’ home stadium in Christchurch suffered major structural damage during the recent earthquake and so they were unable to host the Natal Sharks for the match as planned, as well as seven of the upcoming 2011 Rugby World Cup games. It would have been down to the Crusaders to foot the bill for the Sharks’ travel expenses for this match, so we were delighted to be able to offer complimentary hotel rooms to the team in support of the Red Cross Christchurch Earthquake Appeal,” said Josh Cameron, General Manager, Chiswick Moran Hotel.

The game kicked off at 16.00 on Sunday, 27 March and fans were able to enjoy the game in a relaxed and stylish setting at The Chiswick Moran Hotel’s The Globe bar with its three 31-inch TV screens and one 42-inch screen. Globe Bar features one of the longest bars in London, where visitors come to sip from a choice of 58 cocktails, shots, martinis and champagne cocktails, or from the extensive beer menu that has over 25 global brands.