PRESS RELEASE
Tuesday, January 25, 2011

Murray McCully Kicks Off Super Rugby Game at Mangatainoka

Minister for the Rugby World Cup, Murray McCully, will kickstart New Zealand’s biggest year in sport grassroots style this weekend.

Mr McCully, who is also the Minister for Sport and Recreation and the Minster of Foreign Affairs, will kick off the Super Rugby pre-season game between the Hurricanes and the Chiefs to be held in Mangatainoka on Saturday, January 29th. The sold out game follows the success of last year’s Super 14 pre-season game between the Hurricanes and the Blues which was held on Neil Symonds’ farm, the home of the Mangatainoka RFC, next to Tui Brewery.

“Games like the Mangatainoka initiative are a key part of our build-up to the World Cup, demonstrating an essential part of our rugby heritage,” says Mr McCully.

This year will be a remarkable journey for rugby in New Zealand– beginning with Saturday’s game in front of over 7000 fans and culminating with the Rugby World Cup final at Eden Park which will be played in front of 50,000 rugby supporters on Sunday, October 23.

Mr McCully says it is critical that all New Zealanders are behind the game.

“It is essential for the future health of rugby that successful formats are found in the heartland as well as at Eden Park. The success of last year's match in Mangatainoka and the success of a number of similar initiatives in smaller centres, show the need for a properly balanced strategy for the future,” says Mr McCully.

“It is particularly important to remember this in 2011 - Rugby World Cup year. New Zealand cannot boast the glitz and glamour of Paris or London - but we offer a strong rugby heritage, especially in the heartland. This is a critical part of our brand and our identity.”

New Zealand rugby great Sir Brian Lochore, who along with Sir Colin Meads and renowned rugby photographer Peter Bush, will attend next weekend’s game, is thrilled heartland New Zealand will take centre stage.

“I think it’s really important that top level players can get to the hinterland,” he says. “Last year’s event (at Mangatainoka) went well, even if it was particularly wet, and I think this year will see passionate supporters watching a passionate game.”

Tui Brewery commercial manager Nick Rogers, who championed this year’s game, says with New Zealand in a Rugby World Cup year he’s determined to showcase how Mangatainoka, a small town community, can bring rugby to life in true No 8 wire style.

“This will not only be a great game of footie between two of Super Rugby’s most passionate franchises, but it will be another milestone event because we’re taking New Zealand rugby back to the heartland again,” says Mr Rogers.

Tui has teamed up with match day supporters to make the day possible including: Sharpes Stockfeed, PGG Wrightsons, K&M Print, Allflex, Summit Quinphos, Hunting & Fishing and Delmaine Foods, Silver Fern Farms and Hirequip.

Punters coming through the gates will also go in the draw to win a few cases of award-winning Tui East India Pale Ale and the highly sought after Tuimato Sauce, perfect for summer barbies.

Timeline for Saturday January, 29th:

12.30pm: Gates open MRFC
1pm: Curtain raiser
1pm: Tui Invitation XV vs Mangatainoka RFC Invitation XV
3pm: Hurricanes vs. Chiefs
5pm-6.30pm: After- match speeches, live band
7pm: Close

ENDS

© Scoop Media