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Irish rugby management impressed with Taupo facilities

Friday 18 June 2010, 8:16AM

By Taupo District Council

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TDC Parks and Open Spaces Manager John Ridd, RNZ2011 Team Services Richard Newsome, Irish Rugby Union Team Services Manager Gerard Carmody, and TDC Parks Operations Manager Ian Connon at the Irish's future training ground Owen Delany Park.
TDC Parks and Open Spaces Manager John Ridd, RNZ2011 Team Services Richard Newsome, Irish Rugby Union Team Services Manager Gerard Carmody, and TDC Parks Operations Manager Ian Connon at the Irish's future training ground Owen Delany Park. Credit: Taupo District Council

TAUPO

A representative from the Irish Rugby Union visited Taupo yesterday, more than a year before their stay for the 2011 Rugby World Cup, and was impressed with what Taupo facilities have to offer.

Irish Rugby Union Team Services Manager Gerard Carmody was in town to inspect the accommodation and training facilities the Irish rugby team will utilize upon their stay during the Rugby World Cup in 2011.

The Irish are basing themselves in Taupo from 18 to 21 September 2011, and will train at Owen Delany Park, as well as the AC Baths and Taupo Events Centre Fitness Suite. Mr Carmody said the facilities were very impressive. “Everything is very nice, you’ve got some excellent facilities. We’re really looking to coming here next year, and I’m sure the boys will have a great time.”

Taupo2011 Committee chairman and Councillor Mike Downard says having the Irish stay will be a great pleasure. “Like all the teams staying here, they have chosen Taupo as a base. Not because they have a game here, but because they want to stay here. I know Taupo will make the Irish very welcome, and will paint the town green for them.”

The Irish rugby team are currently touring New Zealand, and are playing the New Zealand Maori in Rotorua today, (Friday 18 June).