Join SOS SAVE OUR SHARK Rally Oct 22

MEDIA RELEASE

FRIDAY 16 October, 2009

Join the SOS SAVE OUR SHARK rally: Thursday October 22nd, 3.30pm

Aldo Miccio a Nelson City councilor encourages Nelsonians and Marlburians to See Red next week, and take part in the SOS SAVE OUR SHARK rallies supporting the Tasman Makos rugby team.

The SOS rallies and the "Save the Makos" Nelson Mail and Marlborough Express petition have been organised for the public to show the New Zealand Rugby Union that the Tasman Makos have a valuable place in the proposed new Premier League. The rallies are taking place in Nelson and Marlborough on October 22nd from 3.30pm. The petition will be delivered to the Rugby Union later in the month.

Aldo Miccio says the New Zealand Rugby Union executive and board need to listen to the New Zealand rugby public and rethink the proposed changes to the provincial competition.

"The NZRU should take on board what the public across the country want for the Air New Zealand Cup, which is not to destroy what has proven to be a very successful competition, and a remarkable turnaround from last year, especially for the Tasman Makos," Miccio says.

"The Union needs to do the analysis for the future competition based on this year's figures and performance and not last year's," he says. "The Tasman Makos were given a second chance and have proved themselves in 2009 as financially viable and as talented competitors. Gate-takings in Nelson and Marlborough are up, and SKY viewership is reported as being up a staggering 80%. Plus, superb performances like that seen by Tasman against Auckland this year added huge excitement to the Air New Zealand Cup. What more does the union want from the provinces? please Join the rally and show the NZRU that provincial rugby has on important role to play , rugby in New Zealand is more than just super 14".

"The only so-called solution for the future of the Air New Zealand Cup seen publicly appears to be drafted prior to this year's competition, and it is causing outrage across the rugby nation - proof it is not in the best interests of rugby," Miccio says.

ENDS

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