‘IKALE TAHI DAY 16RWC IN WHANGAREI, NORTHLAND

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Sep
22

The non 22 players were requested to make several public appearances throughout Whangarei hence the group of 8 players were divided into two teams group 1: Finau Maka, Thomas Palu, William Helu and Alaska Taufa visited:

• Whangarei Primary School (AM)
• Kamo Intermediate School (PM)

Group 2: Ephraim Taukafa, Viliami Iongi, Kisi Pulu and Sione Timani visited:

• Ranburn Homes at Waipu (AM)
• Pompallier College at Whangarei (PM)

I had joined group 1 in their public appearances. The players were well received by the Whangarei Primary School children with a Kapa Hakaperformance and the player’s responded with a brief speech from William Helu thanking the school for a tremendous welcome by the students.

The players then joined the students in a light rugby drills which everyone enjoyed thoroughly. The players then continued to sign many autographs for the students.

In the afternoon after a brief luncheon the players journeyed onto Kamo Intermediate School and were welcomed by senior class with a Haka, Thomas Palu responded on behalf of the group by thanking the students for their warm welcome. The players progressed onto visitingClass 3 who won the school competition to host Ikale Tahi players for their visitto their school.

The last International team to visit Whangarei was the 1971 British Lions so the Rugby World Cup has brought 3 international teams to Whangarei to play 2 international test matches at Whangarei Event Centre was a historical event for the Whangarei region.

The Tongan team has been adopted by Whangarei as its team because Tonga plays its 2 test matches in Whangarei. Tonga vs Japan will be the last Rugby World Cup 2011 played in Whangarei and there is uncertainty if any future international test matches shall be played in Whangarei.

The whole day was thoroughly enjoyed by the players and their camera man.