Football Ambassador

6 April 2009 – Christchurch professional footballer Ryan Nelsen, 31, is a pivotal member of English Premier League side Blackburn Rovers, one of a number of teams fighting against relegation this season. Nelsen has been a regular feature of the side since he was drafted in a free trade from DC United in 2005 and has been captain since 2007. He is renowned on field for his tenacity and commitment, and is the only New Zealander in arguably the most popular league in world football.