Pride in the jersey – fundraiser for NZ Rugby Foundation successful
By Jared Smith
The NZ Rugby Foundation fundraiser by the WRFU last weekend was an outstanding success, with $13,400 raised for the organisation.
All 23 customised jerseys worn by Steelform Whanganui for their game against Mid Canterbury were auctioned on Trademe, while a live auction was held after the match for another replica jersey in the Main Function Lounge at Cooks Gardens.
Members of the Mid Canterbury entourage initially won the auction, and then offered the jersey back to be auctioned again for more money.
Two individuals who have benefited from assistance from the Foundation – Nat Manville and Phil Spring – were in attendance on the day with their families.
The Foundation provides financial and emotional support for players who suffer severe injuries in rugby, while also supporting studies into injury prevention and advocating for safety measures in the game.
The fundraiser was the first that a New Zealand provincial union has done for the Foundation, and chief executive Lisa Kingi-Bon expressed her gratitude.
“The text messages I received from everyone on the day, our representatives, I’m blown away.
“For Bridget [Belsham] and Jeff [Phillips], the idea was they had to do this, and it blossomed into more than anyone ever intended.
“It just takes some people with innovation and vision.”
Kingi-Bon said the WRFU had “thrown down the gauntlet” to New Zealand’s other unions to offer similar support in the future.
Happenings
UNDER 18: Whanganui’s players experienced mixed results on Day 1 of the 2022 U18 Boys Quadrangular Tournament in Hamilton on Tuesday. The NZ Māori Ngā Whatukura, including Joshua Brunger, lost narrowly 27-24 to NZ Secondary Schools at St Paul’s Collegiate, being denied a try near fulltime. The NZ Barbarians U18’s, including Konradd Newland, defeated Fiji Schools 50-14, pulling away after the score was 14-14 in the 26th minute. The next games are on Saturday.
AWARDS: After two years absence due to Covid-19, the Whanganui Rugby Awards evening is back on at the end of the month. Celebrating the top players, coaches, and volunteers at club and representative level, the 2022 awards will be at The Barracks bar on October 29. Guest speaker will be former international referee and current Tasman Rugby Union chief executive Lyndon Bray.
PEROFETA: Ex-pat Whanganui player Stephen Perofeta has been named in the squad for the All Blacks northern tour. Perofeta made his test debut inside the last minute of the 25-18 loss to Argentina on August 27, and was not required for the remaining Rugby Championship games. From October 29 to November 20, the All Blacks will travel to play Japan, Wales, Scotland and England.
