Russia the theme for Rugby World Cup Roadshow next week

Rugby World Cup 2011 (RWC2011) is just around the corner and Rotorua people are encouraged to “taste the excitement of the tournament” beginning with the RWC 2011 Roadshow this week.

The roadshow will in front of Rotorua Museum on Thursday 21 July from 6.30am to 9.30am. The theme for the event is ‘Russia’, with plenty of prizes up for grabs, including RWC2011 tickets for the two best dressed fans on the day.

Rotorua District Council’s Rugby World Cup coordinator Renee Nathan says she hopes locals will embrace the Russian theme, which could be by wearing an ushanka – the fur cap with ear flaps – the red, blue and white colours of the Russian flag, or even face paint.

“There’ll be so much entertainment, competitions and giveaways that it will be worthwhile for people to attend, especially those coming in theme, regardless of the weather.”

Mrs Nathan says locals will also have the opportunity to get a sneak peek of the training many people in the community have been undertaking in preparation for Rugby World Cup.

“Rotorua Entertains’ volunteers will perform a high impact visual display at the opening of the roadshow demonstrating the skills they’ve been learning over the last few months, such as stilt walking, salsa dancing, and Sumba drumming.

“There’ll be interactive displays inside the roadshow truck, photo opportunities with the Webb Ellis Cup, event promotions, chainsaw racing, wood chopping, ki-o-rahi lessons, and face painting, as well as the chance to find out how fans can meet former All Blacks such as Buck Shelford and Taine Randell.”

TV One’s Breakfast crew with Tamati Coffey will broadcast the event live.