Organisers of the Ridley Polocrosse World Cup have just received confirmation that the Governor-General has accepted an invitation to officially open the competition on 23 April 2007.

The Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia - His Excellency Major General Michael Jeffery AC CVO MC (Retd) - is patron of the Polocrosse Association of Australia.

World Cup Chairman Mr Les Fraser announced today that the Governor-General will officially open the World Cup at a ceremony at 9am on Monday 23 April at Morgan Park, Warwick, on Queensland's Southern Downs.

Mr Fraser said, "The presence of His Excellency will provide a magnificent start to this international competition. It will be a real boost for regional South East Queensland and a draw card for people right across the region. This will also be a particular treat for dozens of school groups who have registered to attend the opening day. For those reasons, and because he is our national Patron, we are absolutely delighted."

The week-long competition will see Australia defend its world cup title against old rivals New Zealand, plus challengers from Canada, Ireland, South Africa, the UK, USA and Zimbabwe. The World Cup final will be played on Sunday 29 April 2007 with Queensland Premier Peter Beattie to be invited to close the competition.