Rippa Rugby to Feature RWC Mascot Races

With the Rugby World Cup 2011 looming, New Plymouth District Council and the Taranaki Rugby Football Union will be holding a mascot race at each of the regional Rippa Rugby Tournaments in May and June.

Each team competing in the Rippa Tournaments, which includes all the primary schools in Taranaki, will nominate a mascot to represent them in the race.

“However there is a catch,” explains Rugby World Cup 2011 Manager Jenny Mills. “Each of the mascots has to dress in a themed outfit to support one of the visiting teams to Taranaki, which are Wales, Ireland, Russia, USA and Namibia.

“With plenty of options, we’re hoping to see some creative outfits – anything from Russian Cossack dancers, to Welsh dragons and shamrocks.”

The race will consist of a series of obstacles that the mascots will have to navigate, and will be held at the beginning of each tournament.

The winning mascot from each race will receive family passes to the Todd Energy Aquatic Centre for their team, as well as 10 rugby balls and a Tenderlink Taranaki Rugby Jersey signed by the team for their school.

“It’s a fun way to include secondary schools in the Adopt A Second Team initiative and create awareness around the teams that Taranaki will be hosting,” says Secondary Schools Liaison Officer Willie Rickards.