The New Zealand Parliamentary rugby team will play the Mangatainoka Barbarians RFC team in the curtain raiser for next month’s Super Rugby pre-season game between the Hurricanes and the Blues in Mangatainoka.
Mark Mitchell, co-captain of the Parliamentary team, is looking forward to the game and helping raise money for local charity, Riding for the Disabled – Tararua Division.
“I can’t promise the game will rise to the standards of the match to follow but it’ll be a willing contest played by a group of men whose best days are behind them, but who’ll give it a go for a good cause,” says Mr Mitchell.
“Riding for the Disabled is a charity we’re really pleased to give our support and we encourage the public to get behind it as well.”
The other Parliamentary team co-captain, Damien O’Connor, is equally excited about playing rugby in the small rural North Island township of Mangatainoka on Saturday, February 9 th 2019.
“As we’ve seen in previous years, the Battle at the Brewery is a great day in regional New Zealand as we warm into the Super Rugby season and get to see some of rugby’s biggest stars get back to some grassroots footy,” he says.
“We’re thrilled at the opportunity to play the curtain raiser and, as Mark says, to support a good cause. With a crowd of 5000 expected, and the local community in full swing behind it, I’m sure it’s going to be a great event.”
As well as Mr Mitchell and Mr O’Connor the Parliamentary team will include Ministers Kris Faafoi, Stuart Nash and Penni Henare as well as MPs Kieran McAnulty, Clayton Mitchell, Paul Goldsmith, Alfred Ngaro, Paul Eagle, Greg O’Connor and Hamish Walker.
Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters will be there giving his support along with Speaker Trevor Mallard and National’s Gerry Brownlee.
“While we’re used to being on opposite sides of the house and getting stuck into each other, New Zealand’s MPs tend to get along reasonably well and the Parliamentary rugby team is a great opportunity to play alongside each other for a good cause.”
Mangatainoka Barbarians RFC team manager Hamish Clentworth is equally excited about the curtain raiser and having the opportunity to play the Parliamentary rugby team for the first time. He says his team, which will feature a line-up of former provincial, national and overseas players, will look forward to coming together in heartland New Zealand after having played their last game against a Philippines development squad in Manilla in August 2018.
“We’re excited about facing the Parliamentarians and hope our older age and experience may play into our hands,” he says.
In the main event, back by popular demand, February’s game will see the welcome return of the Hurricanes and Blues to the small township – population 1560 (Census 2013) – after four games were held between the two rival teams there between 2010 – 2013. The local community is ecstatic the big game is returning to the small town and have already offered to lend a hand to ensure the welcome mat is laid out for all visitors.
Tickets for Battle at the Brewery are on sale but numbers are limited to ensure an intimate atmosphere at the game. Ticket holders are encouraged to turn out in their regional colours and, in addition to two great games of rugby, will also enjoy pre and post-game entertainment. There will also be prizes up for grabs for fans who go above and beyond with their fancy dress.
Tui has teamed up with key match day supporters to make the day possible, including:
Big Barrel, More FM, Norwood, PGG Wrightson, Printcraft and Steens Honey, as well as Panasonic – the Half Time Supporter who will give some lucky fans the chance to kick for goal to be into win a 43” Smart TV.
DETAILS:
What:
Battle at the Brewery
Super Rugby pre-season game between the Hurricanes and Blues
When: Saturday, 9 th February 2019
Where: Mangatainoka
Time:
Gates open 12.30pm
Curtain Raiser: 1pm
Kick off 3pm.
Cost:
$50 GA – ADULT
$20 GA – CHILD
$140 CORPORATE – VIP pp.
$80 ADULTS SUPPORTERS PACK – SOLD OUT
All tickets are available to purchase from www.tuihq.co.nz or at the Tui Brewery in Mangatainoka. GA tickets are also available from local PGG Wrightson and Norwood Stores. Once you’ve purchased your tickets, head to www.tuihq.co.nz/rugby to enter to be in the draw to be part of the half time entertainment and a chance to win a Panasonic 43” 4K Ultra High Definition Smart TV.
For bus or train ticket deals – please visit www.tranzit.co.nz or www.mainlinesteam.co.nz.
For all match day information visit www.tuihq.co.nz/rugby