TenderLink Taranaki to play Waikato in Hawera

MEDIA RELEASE                                  DATE: 25 June 2010

TenderLink Taranaki to play Waikato in Hawera

Only days after hosting international Davis Cup Tennis, the TSB Hub is to be home to another major sporting event when TenderLinkTaranaki plays Waikato in a pre-season first class rugby match in Hawera on Friday 16 July.

The match is part of a three day camp in Hawera by the TenderLink Taranaki rugby team which will be based at the TSB Hub.

The TenderLink Taranaki team arrives on Tuesday and will be involved in a number of community events over the three days, including an open training session on Wednesday 14 July. The Southern Rugby Club is also hosting a dinner and fundraising auction on Wednesday evening where the team will be presented and TenderLink Taranaki coach (and ex Hurricanes coach), Colin Cooper, will be guest speaker. 

Items up for grabs in the auction include a Taranaki playing jersey, All Blacks and Irish training jerseys and a 42” TV. Tickets can be obtained from Tina Coombe on (06) 278 7476.

The game starts at 1:30 pm on Friday and entry is a gold coin donation with proceeds going to Taranaki Rugby’s official charities, Big Brothers/Big Sisters and The Hospice. The match will be preceded by a junior Under 8’s tournament and a curtain raiser between Hawera High School 1st XV and Coastal 1st XV. The after match function will be held in the TSB Hub’s new Southern Lounge.

Southern Rugby Club chairman, Greg Werder, is absolutely thrilled the club is involved in bringing the Taranaki team back to the south and says it has been many years since provincial representative rugby has been played in Hawera.

“It is brilliant that the team is spending three days in Hawera and it is a great chance for everyone to get in behind the visit and show we have a huge amount to offer in the South,” says Mr Werder. “Friday should be a great day with all ages being involved. Come along, watch the games and then enjoy some refreshments afterwards in our clubrooms,” he says.

Shane McDonald, TenderLink Taranaki Manager says the TRFU is excited about being able to bring back first class rugby to South Taranaki. “The TSB Hub is such a great facility and the South Taranaki people are avid Taranaki Rugby followers,” he says. “The team is very excited to be spending a good chunk of time in and around South Taranaki, and to conclude with a game against traditional opponents, Waikato, for the Ryan Wheeler Trophy really tops the visit off.”

South Taranaki District Mayor, Ross Dunlop, expects a good turnout at the match. “Although the game is on a Friday, it is during the school holidays and starts early enough for the farmers. South Taranaki folk love their rugby so I know they will turn out in force and I hope to see plenty of people from further north come down and support their teams too,” he says.

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