Inaugural 'Hastings: Heart of Hawke's Bay' Rugby League Tournament Kicks Off

Rugby league fans are in for a treat as Hawke‟s Bay hosts the inaugural Hastings
„Hastings: Heart of Hawke‟s Bay‟ final series tournament this month.
The tournament will be held at Bill Mathewson Park on October 9th and 16th with 13, 15
and 17-year-old rugby league players from across the district attending the two all-day
events.
Hastings District Council is sponsoring the „Hastings: Heart of Hawke‟s Bay‟ Premiership
Trophy, which will be presented to the winner of the premiership finals. Four teams in each
grade will play on October 9th; and the premiership finals take place on October 16th.
Renowned former international league star and chairman of Hawke‟s Bay Rugby League,
Kevin Tamati says he‟s delighted the premiership is being hosted in his local town and that
it holds more meaning than just a game.
“If young people get the opportunity to develop their talent for sport, they can have a
wonderful career. This is supported by Judge Beecroft who says „kids in sport stay out of
court!”
Hastings Mayor Lawrence Yule is delighted to support the tournament, as the values of
rugby league Hawke‟s Bay include the aspiration to uplift Maori and Pacific youth and their
communities, as well as the wider community.
In fact, the local league playing population is 99.9% Maori and Pacific Island people.
It will be a great climax to end the season, with 500 players attracting many supporters as
well as community interest.