ROVERS defender Ryan Nelsen will join up with the rest of his team-mates in Sydney, Australia as the club take part in the inaugural Sydney Festival of Football from July 25th - 31st.

The New Zealand international was one of the stars of the World Cup as he captained the Kiwis through an unbeaten campaign with three draws from their games against Slovakia, Italy and Paraguay.

Unfortunately it wasn't enough to see the All Whites through to the knockout stages, but it was a World Cup that will live long in the memory for Ryan.

"The World Cup was an incredible experience, something I will remember forever, but now it's back to business with Blackburn Rovers." said Nelsen.

"I'm really looking forward to heading across to Sydney for the Festival of Football and I know the lads back in the UK are too.'

"It's an exciting concept and there are certain to be no easy games with Rangers and AEK Athens FC amongst the strongest clubs in Europe." Nelsen added.

Tickets for the Sydney Festival of Football are available now through www.Ticketek.com.au with Adult prices starting from just AUS$29