Rugby For Life Charitable Trust (RFL) has been chosen as the next opponent of the NZ Parliamentary Rugby Team, with the Parliamentarians returning to the birthplace of New Zealand politics, the place where it all began 185yrs ago - Russell, Northland. Hosted by the historic Russell Rugby Club, an RFL Invitational team will be running out as opposition on the 27th of July, and the historic Duke of Marlborough Hotel will change their name for the evening to host the after-match function as the honorary club rooms for the Russell Rugby Club.
Coached by rugby legend - the Kamo Kid, Ian Jones; the RFL Invitational Team will be captained by the legendary All Black captain Taine Randell, with players from local Rugby For Life clubs being joined by rugby heroes including Rene Ranger, Nehe Milner Scudder, Rua Tipoki and Kevin Senio. While Northland legend Ritchie Guy will be coaching the PRT, I’ve been with the PRT for over twenty years now and It’s been a few years since the team has ventured this far north so we’re really looking forward to playing the match and supporting RFL.
Co-Captains Simon Watts and Peeni Henare will lead the side featuring MPs from across the House, including Shane Jones, Mark Mitchell, Cameron Luxton, Mark Cameron, Tom Rutherford, Greg O’Connor, Ryan Hamilton and James Meager.
Titled the ‘Rumble in Russell’ RFL Patron, Sir Michael Jones says, ‘We are planning to make this day a big community day, something for our region to be proud of, it is a free event for the whole community and will celebrate our communities and Grassroots sport. RFL Ambassador, Sir Graham Henry is excited to bring the game to the historic Russell Rugby and Sports Club, saying ‘the volunteers in this community have worked tirelessly to provide not only rugby but all sports to the community for over 80 years and it’s great to recognise their achievements and history’.
Hon Shane Jones is delighted to be able to bring such a large contingent of the government to Russell and help raise the profile of Northland and our communities to central government. ‘We want the community to enjoy the day, rub shoulders with rugby heroes and MPs and be a part of the after-match activities just as they would with any other community rugby game’ says Jones.
Over the past 29 years, the NZPRT has played hundreds of fixtures around the country, fundraising for local charities and causes in doing so, the match will be supporting local Russell charities including the Russell Rugby & Sports Club, as well as the Rugby For Life Leadership program.
The Rumble in Russell rugby game kicks off at 2pm on Saturday 27th July at the Russell Sports Club ground, 5855 Whakapara Rd, Russell.