News
On Saturday 10th October 2009 at the Auckland Domain we saw a enormous crowd of up to 5000 people witness the opening of the 16th Heart Children NZ Masters Rugby League Tournament 2009. This was a historical occasion, at this very same venue back in 1910 England played New Zealand for the very first time at the same ground, not only that but it was the Auckland Rugby League’s Centennial this year as well.
The opening of the tournament was officiated by the Right Honorable His Worship the Mayor of Auckland Mr. John Banks, and 58 teams took part in the march pass lead by the NZ Army team then follow by the national anthems of those competing nations. We then had the welcoming challenge haka by 200 Maori Warriors and then had the reply haka by our visitors Guildford Owls from Sydney. Overall the opening was a huge success.
The games during the week attracted huge crowds both at the Auckland Domain also at Cornwall Park grounds as well all games were played in the right spirit, the ball skills by most of the masters players were amazing, and there was a special guest appearance by Cliff Lyons, ex Manly and Australian Representative player.
After match functions were held at the Ellerslie Convention Centre at the end of each day and the entertainment was great, karaoke was won by the New Lynn Stags, and the Helensvale Stingers from Queensland, Australia. The international matches on the Friday were played at Mt Smart No 1 ground home of the Vodafone Warriors. A crowd of around 4000, witnessed four tremendous games of NZ and Australia sides. The ball skills on display were excellent, and the crowd soaked up every moment of it…this was Masters Rugby League at it's greatest.
Heart Children of New Zealand Inc was our charity, and in total Masters of Rugby League raised just over $10,000 for this fantastic cause.
On behalf of the Masters Rugby League International Committee we would like to thank everybody who was involved with the tournament. Thank you very much for a enjoyable week. Remember Masters Rugby League is simply the best, it's better than all the rest.
Phil Campbell | Chairman MRLNZ Inc.
2010 Masters Rugby League UK Tour
Australian Masters are putting a trip together to travel next year to the UK. All NZ Masters players and supporters are welcome to come along.
- 19 nights away
- 5 or 6 possible games in Wales, Scotland, England going to Leeds, Manchester, Bradford, Wigan, Warrington and North of England towns
- Plus time for sightseeing
- All airfares, taxes, travel insurance
- Ground transport to matches, accommodation plus breakfast everyday
- 2 set's of playing gear, 3 sets of touring shirts, plus tracksuit, jacket, hatsand a gear bag
- Team photo at one of the well known English Clubs
- A double decker London tour, team dinner on the last night of the tour
- Extra gear can be purchased for swapping or bring your own club gear
- Also stop overs in either Singapore, Hong Kong, Bangkok or Abu Dhabi, Dubai, depending on which airline we use This is just a idea of things.
We may look at going later on in the year October / November 2010.
The cost in 2008 was AUD$5,200
All enquiries to:
Malcolm Duncan
MRL Australia CEO/Secretary
Email: madgat@bigpond.com.au
Mobile: 0061425320890
Official Charity for The International Masters of Rugby League Tournament 2009
The Masters of Rugby League New Zealand and the Auckland Masters of Rugby League have nominated Heart Children New Zealand
For more information contact the following
Peter Clark
MRL NZ Secretary
PO Box 18 136
Auckland 1072
New Zealand
Mob: 64 21 424 041
Malcolm Duncan
MRL AUS Executive Officer / Secretary
PO Box 4038
Penrith Westfield
NSW, Australia
Ph: 61 2 4733 1646
Mob: 61 4 2532 0890
Malcolm Duncan
MRL QLD Secretary
PO Box 4038
Penrith Westfield
NSW, Australia
Ph: 61 2 4733 1646
Mob: 61 4 2532 0890
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©Masters of Rugby League New Zealand Incorporated
Affiliated to International Masters of Rugby League
Email: postmaster@mastersrugbyleague.com
(Copyright
2010)