Triple playing action for jubilee
With more than 280 registered for the Wanganui Rugby Union's 125th Jubilee this weekend, the three Metropolitan v Country matches at Spriggens Park this afternoon will attract plenty of interest.
The under-13 (noon), under-21 (1.30) and premier (3pm) fixtures will all serve as Wanganui representative trials.
A sprinkling of Wanganui representatives are included in the two premier teams for Heartland selectors Jason Caskey and Jason Hamlin to watch.
There are 16 representative players in the two sides - nine for Country (coached by Danny Rolls) and seven for Metro (coached by Jason Hamlin).
The teams for the 3pm match are:
Metropolitan: Kent Rivers, Simon Dibben, Fiatau Faalili, Mohi Waihi, C J Stowers, Te Awe Peina, Sean Brown, Tafa Tauialoto, Brad Mathews, Bradley Graham, Michael Horrocks, Aiden FitzGerald, Richard Smith, Junior Tume, Perofeta Fuaava. Reserves: Dylan Pearce, Andy Papworth, Andrew Retallick, Jareth Hawea, Terry Tanoa, Nemani Nagusa, Johnny Mow, Dave Barron.
Country: Moli Sagapolite, Robert Hughes, George Malasia, Tremaine Gilbert, Nikki Martin, Matt Ash, James Barrett, Adam Roe, Marcus Tottman, David Gower, Tipene Harrison, Nick Cranston, Tane Martin, Vaan Rauhina, Kim McNaught. Reserves: Kapene Paki, Ross Puhi, Mikaere and Allan Penetito, Hepa Payne, Jaye Flaws.
Photographs of the former players and officials at the reunion will be taken at the park at 3.30pm.
New Zealand Labour party leader David Shearer, in the city for a conference, will visit Spriggens Park during the afternoon.
There are jubilee registrations from all over New Zealand, with former Wanganui Rugby Supporters' Club secretary Judi Gurzinski, although wheelchair bound, coming from New South Wales.
Sir Colin Meads and international women's referee Nicky Inwood are the guest speakers for the jubilee dinner at the Racecourse Eulogy Lounge at 7pm.
There will be a meet and greet function, reunion check-in, and perusal of memorabilia at the Racecourse from 5pm.
Tomorrow morning there's a farewell function at the Eulogy Lounge and there is also an 11am jubilee under-14 game between Wanganui & OB club and Collegiate School at Collegiate.
