Team Russia making special guest appearance at Saturday's Fanzone

Locals attending Saturday’s Rugby World Cup 2011 Fanzone at Rotorua’s Energy Events Centre are in for an extra treat as Team Russia makes a special guest appearance on the night.

Team Russia is playing at Rotorua International Stadium in the sold-out match against Ireland on Sunday [25 September] but will drop in at Saturday’s Fanzone after 6pm for a 30 minute visit.

Rotorua District Council Rugby World Cup coordinator Renee Nathan says it is a fantastic opportunity for locals to mix and mingle with the international rugby team, take photos, get something signed, or just a chance to say “kia ora”.

“Saturday’s [24 September] free Fanzone will play live coverage of the highly anticipated New Zealand vs France match on the huge screen so we expect to draw in a big crowd, including extra people coming into town.

“If we reach capacity of 3,000 people we’ll have to close the doors, so we encourage people to arrive early so they don’t miss out on being part of this awesome event and meeting some rugby stars.”

Entertainment on the night will be Rotorua Intermediate School’s kapahaka group, up-and-coming local singer Genna Minchin, duets by Jamie Jolley and Kylee Waaka, Waiariki Academy Singing & Music band WASM, Rotorua Entertains performers, as well as hot food for sale, and badminton for teenagers in the Sportsdrome.

Doors open to Saturday’s Fanzone at 6pm and the theme is Kiwiana/European.