Pinetree to represent Taupo in 2011

All Black of the century Sir Colin “Pinetree” Meads was at a gathering at Owen Delany Park last week to accept the role of Ambassador of Rugby for Taupo 2011, and help celebrate the new naming rights agreement between King Country Rugby and Taupo Venues.

The ‘Taupo Venues King Country Rams’ will be competing in the AA Heartland Championship in the upcoming rugby season. Taupo District Council CEO Rob Williams says the new marketing initiative is a great move for both the venues and King Country Rugby. “How great to see ‘Taupo’ on the King Country jersey. It re-establishes the links between Taupo and King Country rugby, and promotes our fantastic venues.”

Sir Colin Meads said they would not have gotten away with it 20 years ago. “A lot has changed since then, and I think its great that our regions can work together to promote the game of rugby, especially at this important time given Taupo has done so well in securing not one but three teams to host during the Rugby World Cup Festival.”

Pinetree says New Zealand has a unique opportunity given its once in 25 year chance to host the world cup. “We’ve got to make the most of it and promote the game to our young people. This will be great for New Zealand, and for the game of rugby.”

King County Rugby CEO David Trewavas said he has received a lot of interest from the Welsh rugby team about Pinetree, and the opportunity to meet the great man. “Internationally he holds a lot of sway. The Welsh were so keen to meet him; we just had to get him involved. He’s very graciously accepted the job of being our Ambassador, which will really put Taupo and King Country on the map.”

Mayor Rick Cooper, who was given a signed ball by the All Black, says Taupo will be under the spotlight during the world cup. “We’ve got the world champions staying here, not because they have to, but because they want to. I think that speaks volumes about us as a district. And now having Sir Colin on-board can only make things more exciting for fans and visitors.”