Russian Rugby Comes to Tikorangi

As part of their Rugby World Cup 2011 preparation, Russia will face off against a Taranaki invitational side in January.

The match on Saturday 15 January is part of a free family festival at Tikorangi Domain (Clifton Rugby Club’s home ground).

“Russia will be in New Zealand for 10 days in January and will play just two matches in that time: In Taranaki and Otago,” says Manager Rugby World Cup Jenny Mills.

“This is a great opportunity for locals to get an early look at a full international team’s playing style before their Rugby World Cup game against the USA at Stadium Taranaki on 11 September next year.

“It’ll also be a nice family day in the middle of the school holidays, at a great rural rugby facility that many people haven’t visited before.”

The Council is putting on bus transport to Tikorangi Domain on the day, with pick-ups at Spotswood, the Ariki Street Bus Centre, Fitzroy, Bell Block and Waitara. Seats must be booked, at $5 per person (cash only), through the i-SITE at Puke Ariki or a library and service centre in Waitara, Inglewood and Bell Block.

The afternoon event starts at 4.30pm with two games of Ripper Rugby before the main match. There will be a sausage sizzle and a drinks bar, and people are welcome to bring picnics with them.

“The Russian team is keen to be part of the Taranaki community,” says Ms Mills. “It would be great to see a large crowd come along to Tikorangi to support them and give them a great introduction to the Taranaki lifestyle and New Zealand rugby.”