Dear Alastair,
 

MEDIA RELEASE
 
Ex All Black sold Jerseys to save Family Home

Destination Manawatu has worked hard to provide a warm welcome to a bus load of 48 Welsh supporters currently touring the country following the All Black tests. 
 
The group is stopping off in Palmerston North on 23rd June 2010.  After a quick tour of The New Zealand Rugby Museum and an update about the $800,000 relocation to Te Manawa in time for Rugby World Cup, the group are heading off to Arena Manawatu for lunch.  Destination Manawatu organised for Palmerston North based ex All Black, Neven MacEwan to address the group.

Neven's All Black career spanned six years from 1956 to 1962.  He played 52 matches, including 20 tests, a highlight of which was a tour to Wales.  Tour leader, Keith Weber is delighted that Neven is to speak.  "Most of the tour group are from the same generation.  Neven and I used to play together for the Athletic Rugby Club in Wellington too.  It will be great to catch up with not only an old friend but one of New Zealand's sporting heros."

Neven has a special relationship with the Welsh Rugby Club following his son Angus's quest to collect memorabilia of his father's achievements as an All Black.  Over a period of five years he collected nearly every rugby match programme that his father had played.  One important item was missing - an All Blacks jersey that his father had worn. 

In 1979 Neven had sold his collection of international jerseys to save the family home, however Angus in his world wide search located one he'd given to Joe Rooney in 1975 at Cilfynydd Rugby Club.  In 2005 he contacted the Club and explained to them how he'd like it back for his family's sake.  Graciously the Club agreed to return the jersey to the family on the grounds that Angus bring his father to the Club in order that they may present and honour his father with a special function. 

So, Neven's son shouted him a trip to Wales where they were warmly hosted and the jersey returned to the family to be treasured by current and future generations.  Neven says, "The whole event typifies the spirit of the Welsh - sport loving and hospitable."

The fans may well be back in 2011 for Rugby World Cup passing through Palmerston North the week before Palmerston North's games on their way to their third fixture in New Plymouth against Namibia. 
 
Arena Manawatu will host to two games during Rugby World Cup 2011 - 28th September Georgia v Play-off winner followed by Argentina v Georgia on 2nd October.
  
ENDS

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