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Wednesday, January 12, 2011

Mangatainoka Super 15 Rugby Match Music to Fans Ears

For rugby fans, learning that Tui Brewery will once again host a Super Rugby match in Mangatainoka is like music to the ears. But now, ticket holders to the Hurricanes versus Chiefs match on Saturday 29th January can also look forward to music and rugby during a unique pre-match curtain raiser.

Taking on the mighty Mangatainoka RFC Invitation XV are a group of Kiwi musicians including song writers Annah Mac and Kristin Macdonald who both won the Play It Strange songwriting competition and who both play rugby. Also if their schedule permits, well-known Jason Kerrison (lead singer of OPSHOP) and Aaron Tokona (ex Weta) will also take to the field. Giving the band-come-team direction and on field support will be Steve Walters, NZI Sevens general manager as well as former Black Ferns props Regina Sheck and Rebecca Liuaana, flanker Erin Rush and first five Rebecca Mahoney. Off-field support will lead by Mike Chunn (ex Split Enz and Citizen Band), now CEO of Play it Strange.

“I’d love to be on the field too, but I am too old and have a sore shoulder,” admits Chunn, a long-time rugby supporter. “Instead I’m their spiritual ambassador.”

Tui Brewery commercial manager Nick Rogers, who championed last years’ game, says the curtain-raiser will be tough with both teams taking the match extremely seriously.

“We don’t expect the match to end on a sour note! It will be a fun game and played in true grassroots style in front of 10,000 rugby fans at the Mangatainoka Rugby Football Club. I’m sure the locals will be cheering for their boys but you never know how the muso’s will play... In time we hope!”

Last January’s Super 14 match was the Hurricanes only pre-season game to completely sell out. Rogers says ticket sales are extremely strong for this month’s match and he’s expecting the last few to be sold within the coming two weeks.

“The other sponsors and Tui are looking forward to hosting the first big rugby match of 2011 – a year that will be a milestone for our country thanks to other big tournaments like Rugby World Cup. Our event may not have the international flavor of Rugby World Cup but it’s still got the same level of passion and excitement. And if you don’t believe me, come check it out for yourself!”

Tickets to the Super 15 game are available from www.tui.co.nz, the Tui HQ, from Tranzit Coaches or from PGG Wrightson stores in the Hurricanes territory. Return transport is available through Tranzit Coaches from Hawke’s Bay and Wellington.

The day kicks off at midday with general admission $35. The ticket price includes a free Tui beer up to 1 hour before kick-off for those 18 and over. Corporates can also purchase tickets for $125 which includes great Kiwi Gourmet Lunch and beverage package, program, reserved seating, Tui Cap and calendar.

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 29th January:
12.30pm: Gates open MRFC
1pm: Kiwi Muso’s vs. Mangatainoka RFC Invitation XV
3pm: Hurricanes vs. Chiefs
5pm-6.30pm: After- match speeches, live band
7pm: Close

ENDS

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