Worlds collide at Waitahanui with Welsh v Māori U15 match
Friday 9 September 2011, 3:39PM
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Punters can experience a free international rugby match at Tutemohuta Reserve in Waitahanui at 2.30pm this Monday, 12 September 2011, as a Welsh Provincial U15 side take on a Māori Invitational U15 side.
The historic match was arranged earlier this year by Deputy Mayor Mike Downard and Welsh Rugby Union Manager Alan Philips, following a visit to Wales and Ireland by Cr Downard with King Country Rugby CEO David Trewavas and Taupō’s own RWC 2011 Ambassador Sir Colin Meads.
“The intention of the trip to UK was to promote Taupō district internationally and encourage groups to come over for the RWC Tournament, so it was great news when the group of 45 people made plans to visit and stay here,” says Cr Downard, who is also Chairman of the RWC 2011 Host Coordinating Committee.
“The Welsh have been a fantastic bunch of people to deal with and looked after us so well when we visited them. We are looking forward to returning the favour when they are our guests here in Taupō.”
The rugby game is open to the public and will also be attended by members of the Welsh Rugby Team touring party.
The Welsh Team arrives at Taupō Airport at 12.30pm on Monday 12 September and will be greeted by Mayor Rick Cooper, Deputy Mike Downard, King Country Rugby CEO David Trewavas, “The Welsh have already had their formal welcome into New Zealand in Porirua, so this will be a fairly low key affair,” says Cr Downard.
The team will be the guests at an exclusive dinner the same night, hosted by the Hatepe Marae. Tables are still available for the event and can be purchased by contacting Sue Birch on 07 386 8208.