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<title>infonews.co.nz New Zealand Rugby news</title>
<link>https://www.infonews.co.nz/</link>
<description>New Zealand's local news community.</description>
<lastBuildDate>Mon, 27 Apr 2026 14:53:14 GMT</lastBuildDate>
<language>en-us</language>


  
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<title>Blues announce introduction of Hall of Fame</title>
<link>https://www.infonews.co.nz/news.cfm?id=128491</link>
<author>The Blues</author>
<description><![CDATA[ <a href="https://www.infonews.co.nz/default.cfm?t=27" style="text-decoration:none;font-size:80%;font-weight:bold;color:#2D7428;">RUGBY</a>



<p>The Blues have announced a landmark moment in the club's 30-year history with the Blues Hall of Fame to be launched in 2026.</p><p>The Blues Hall of Fame, presented by Barfoot &amp; Thompson, will honour the legends, stories, and defining moments that have shaped the club since its inception in 1996.</p><p>The first class of inductees will be honoured at a formal event on Friday 15 May, 2026 at the New Zealand International Convention Centre (NZICC), bringing together past greats, current players, partners, and the wider Blues wh&#257;nau.</p><p>The Hall of Fame extends across all eras of the club - from claiming the inaugural Super Rugby title in 1996, through to the modern era which saw the Super Rugby Pacific trophy return to Blues HQ in 2024 and the nib Blues take out back-to-back Aupiki titles in 2024 and 2025.</p><p>Interim CEO Andy Roberts said the Hall of Fame marks a significant moment in placing the club's heritage at the heart of its future.</p><p>"For three decades, the Blues have been shaped by extraordinary people - players, coaches, staff and community leaders who built the identity of this club," Roberts said.</p><p>"The Blues Hall of Fame gives us a permanent way to recognise those contributions and ensure their stories inspire the next generation."</p><p>"We want our alumni to feel valued, our community to feel part of the journey, and our current players to understand the legacy they represent every time they pull on the jersey."</p><p>The inaugural event will feature a formal induction ceremony, storytelling moments, archival tributes, and appearances from Blues alumni across the generations.</p><p>Blues Hall of Fame Presenting Partner Barfoot &amp; Thompson knows a thing or two about legacy. Founded in 1923, Barfoot &amp; Thompson has remained a private family&#8209;owned business for over 100 years.</p><p>Managing Director Peter Thompson said he's delighted to support the Blues Hall of Fame having been a partner of the club since 1996.</p><p>"Barfoot &amp; Thompson is proud to have stood alongside the Blues for 30 years and it's only fitting that we celebrate those people who have contributed to the Blues club and its heritage," said Thompson.</p><p>A digital Blues Hall of Fame hub will also be launched to house inductee bios, photography, and video features.</p><p>Further details, including inductee categories and event information, will be released in the coming months.</p><br />(<a href="https://www.infonews.co.nz/news.cfm?id=128491">Source</a>)<br /><br /> ]]></description>
<pubDate>Thu, 11 Dec 2025 17:07:27 GMT</pubDate>
<guid>https://www.infonews.co.nz/news.cfm?id=128491</guid>
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<title>Government Allocates $3.9m Funding for Women's British and Irish Lions Tour of 2027</title>
<link>https://www.infonews.co.nz/news.cfm?id=125476</link>
<author>Expert Briefing</author>
<description><![CDATA[ <a href="https://www.infonews.co.nz/default.cfm?t=27" style="text-decoration:none;font-size:80%;font-weight:bold;color:#2D7428;">RUGBY</a>



<p>The first Women&#39;s British and Irish Lions Tour will take place in New Zealand in September 2027, with the government providing $3.9 million in funding.</p><p>The tour, which will feature matches against the world champion Black Ferns, is expected to bring significant economic, social, and cultural benefits to the country.</p><p>The Major Events Fund, which has supported successful World Cup events in recent years, will provide the funding.</p><p>Economic Development Minister Melissa Lee said the tour will increase the value and visibility of women&#39;s sport in New Zealand and create new role models for younger generations.</p><p>Sport and Recreation Minister Chris Bishop said the tour will be a historic moment for rugby and is expected to be epic.</p><br />(<a href="https://www.infonews.co.nz/news.cfm?id=125476">Source</a>)<br /><br /> ]]></description>
<pubDate>Wed, 17 Jan 2024 00:47:01 GMT</pubDate>
<guid>https://www.infonews.co.nz/news.cfm?id=125476</guid>
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<title>North Harbour Rugby and Paladin Sports continue relationship</title>
<link>https://www.infonews.co.nz/news.cfm?id=122890</link>
<author>dave worsley</author>
<description><![CDATA[ <a href="https://www.infonews.co.nz/default.cfm?t=27" style="text-decoration:none;font-size:80%;font-weight:bold;color:#2D7428;">RUGBY</a>



<p>North Harbour Rugby are thrilled to be extending their relationship with Sportswear and Apparel Provider, Paladin Sports for another three years after what has been a very &lsquo;unusual&rsquo; season.</p><p>Paladin will continue to be proudly worn by North Harbour in the Bunnings Warehouse NPC, Farah Palmer Cup and the other various grades representing the region.</p><p>North Harbour Rugby Chairman Gerard Van Tilborg said it was good to continue the relationship with a professional organisation like Paladin Sport.</p><p>&ldquo;Re-signing with Paladin was an obvious choice for us. They&rsquo;ve kept our players looking smart on the field with well-designed, durable gear that has small but impactful design touches throughout. Our staff&rsquo;s attire has also been taken care of by Paladin, its universal nature means it&rsquo;s appropriate for the office, the side-line and, everywhere in between. We&rsquo;d like to thank Ed, Kane and all the team at Paladin, your support, partnership and gear continues to impress us, we look forward to a further three years of working together,&rdquo; said Van Tilborg.</p><p>Kane Jacobson the Business Development Manager at Paladin Sports was pleased to extend what has been a longstanding and happy relationship since 2017 between Harbour Rugby and Paladin.</p><p>&ldquo;Paladin is extremely excited to announce that Harbour Rugby has re-signed for three more years. We believe this years&rsquo; kit showcases the Harbour Rugby Brand well and has again generate well priced, desirable merchandise for the fans. We are very proud to be associated with Harbour Rugby and cannot wait to see what the future holds,&rdquo; said Jacobson.</p><p>Paladin Sports have a full range of Harbour Rugby merchandise from branded basketball singlets to hoodies, training t-shirts, jerseys, replica Harbour jersey and more which is available to see and purchase on their website</p><p><a href="https://paladinsports-nz.com/">https://paladinsports-nz.com/</a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><br />(<a href="https://www.infonews.co.nz/news.cfm?id=122890">Source</a>)<br /><br /> ]]></description>
<pubDate>Mon, 18 Oct 2021 21:51:55 GMT</pubDate>
<guid>https://www.infonews.co.nz/news.cfm?id=122890</guid>
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<title>North Harbour Hibiscus Farah Palmer Cup Season Ends</title>
<link>https://www.infonews.co.nz/news.cfm?id=122755</link>
<author>dave worsley</author>
<description><![CDATA[ <a href="https://www.infonews.co.nz/default.cfm?t=27" style="text-decoration:none;font-size:80%;font-weight:bold;color:#2D7428;">RUGBY</a>



<p>The North Harbour Hibiscus 2021 Farah Palmer Cup season has unfortunately come to an end with the team unable to play the scheduled semifinal match against Manawatu in the Championship due to the Auckland extend Covid-19 lockdown.</p><p>The Hibiscus had qualified fourth in the regular season after wins over Tasman and Taranaki (plus equal points from an abandoned game against Northland) and were steadily growing as a squad with many individual and team performances giving the side plenty to look forward to.</p><p>For coach Bill Wigglesworth the development of the team as a whole was encouraging to see despite the disappointing way the season ended.</p><p>&ldquo;Establishing a competitive Farah Palmer side takes time to create depth and trust in each other, but what we&rsquo;ve seen from this side is a great willingness to learn and improve all the time. They have moulded as a side and they are all keen to come back and keep going in the future. To see the side have two victories this season was huge for the players and coaches. It was fantastic to see the players at the final whistles and the fact they want more in the future,&rdquo; said Wigglesworth.</p><p>There were plenty of players who stood out in the squad for Wigglesworth and the management team who felt there was a real shift in achievement and willingness to raise the profile within the region for women&rsquo;s and girls&rsquo; rugby.</p><p>Wigglesworth cites several players as having standout performances both in training and during games.</p><p>&ldquo;Captain Kate Williams was immense with her effort every game for the whole game while Tenaija Fletcher has great potential and is another real worker. Others who really put their hands up for women&rsquo;s Super Rugby in 2022 include Anita Berry, Hayley Hutana, and a breakthrough season from Jess Courtenay Malupo.&rdquo;</p><p>Meanwhile Cate Sexton the Head of Women&rsquo;s Rugby for New Zealand Rugby said that despite the way the season has concluded there is plenty to look forward to for the Hibiscus next season and beyond.</p><p>&nbsp;&ldquo;It was great to see how competitive the Harbour Hibiscus side was this season in the FPC. North Harbour have one of the largest participation programs in the country and their performances of the team this season has done a great job inspiring &nbsp;their younger players and showcasing the women&rsquo;s game.&rdquo;</p><p>North Harbour loose forward and captain Kate Williams felt her side had done what it could on the field and will have to look forward to next season.</p><p>&ldquo;We&rsquo;re gutted for the end of our season and it&rsquo;s an abrupt ending. Out team was really pulling together and it was proven in our performances that we were improving each week. We were fizzing for the semis and the opportunity to make the finals. But we have lots of positives to take from the season and a lot of learning we can carry into next year,&rdquo; said Williams who is a Navy Sub Lieutenant (SLT) when not playing rugby.</p><p>&ldquo;For now we&rsquo;re taking it as it comes as it&rsquo;s out of our hands. But I&rsquo;m always grateful for the time I can pull on the Hibiscus jersey.&ldquo;</p><p>As a provincial union North Harbour has secured Investment from the private sector for its women and girls rugby program which is attracting quality players as well as coaching and management groups behind the scenes. Wigglesworth says, &ldquo;there are lots of opportunities to partner at all levels of the women&rsquo;s and girls&rsquo; game in North Harbour with the player base exploding within the region.&rdquo;</p><p>North Harbour Rugby is determined to continue its commitment to providing quality experiences for all women and girls&rsquo; in the region.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><br />(<a href="https://www.infonews.co.nz/news.cfm?id=122755">Source</a>)<br /><br /> ]]></description>
<pubDate>Mon, 20 Sep 2021 17:32:32 GMT</pubDate>
<guid>https://www.infonews.co.nz/news.cfm?id=122755</guid>
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<title>John McKittrick Awarded North Harbour Rugby Life Membership</title>
<link>https://www.infonews.co.nz/news.cfm?id=122090</link>
<author>dave worsley</author>
<description><![CDATA[ <a href="https://www.infonews.co.nz/default.cfm?t=27" style="text-decoration:none;font-size:80%;font-weight:bold;color:#2D7428;">RUGBY</a>



<p>A real mainstay of North Harbour Rugby has been rewarded for his hard work and commitment to the sport.</p><p>John McKittrick, a loyal supporter of rugby in the North Harbour area has been made a Life Member of the union honouring his work in coaching, managing and administration of the sport.</p><p>&ldquo;John has been one of those people who hasn&rsquo;t been after glory. He has always wanted his players to improve, to enjoy the game and aim for higher honours where possible. His longevity around the Harbour region has him well-respected and he has made a mark on the career of many players,&rdquo; said Harbour Rugby Chairman Gerard van Tilborg.</p><p>&ldquo;Becoming a Life Member is just reward for John who has put in a huge number of hours, experience and knowledge to the region.&rdquo;</p><p>McKittrick had success with a variety of teams, but especially the Harbour Colts, Harbour Development, Harbour B&rsquo;s and North Harbour 7&rsquo;s which he took to a staggering six national titles.</p><p>He was a stalwart of the Silverdale Club and later Mahurangi&nbsp;rugby as well as a&nbsp;long-time manager of the North Harbour NPC side.</p><p>For McKittrick there was always more to rugby than, results on the field, coaching and administration.</p><p>&ldquo;There were players who you helped and watched grow. For instance Todd Clever from the United States. I took the USA team to the LA Sevens and he was part of the player pool. I told him to come to New Zealand for foundation work. He ended up living with us for two years and played at Mahurangi and for North Harbour and then Super Rugby in South Africa,&rdquo; said McKittrick.</p><p>&ldquo;Also Glen Osborne as a 19-year-old came out of Whanganui and lived with us for a couple of years. His career went in a circle. From rugby, to media to being a policeman back in Whanganui. He insisted that I be there for his graduation from Police College. You form bonds with players and those around rugby and that&rsquo;s what makes the sport and my time in it so special.&rdquo;</p><p>There were also coaching stints around the world including Africa and the United States with their national 7&rsquo;s side as well as Penguins International Rugby&nbsp;for a number of years.</p><p>But having worked with an impressive range of coaches, Mikittrick sites another North Harbour faithful, Paul Feeney as a real standout.</p><p>&ldquo;The most impressive coach I&rsquo;ve been alongside is Paul Feeney. He can get his message across so easily. He&rsquo;s worked with Fiji Sevens, been assist coach at the Stormers, and helped Kenya qualify for the Olympics. He has a way about him which is so relaxed and easy and just so impressive in so many ways.&rdquo;</p><p>Along with being a coach who also sought the best from his players McKittrick served in governance and went on to be the vice-President and President of North Harbour Rugby in recent years and established the North Harbour Knights which is an old boys club of former players for the Union.</p><p>When it comes to the honour of being made a Life Member of Harbour Rugby, he is completely staggered.</p><p>&ldquo;I&rsquo;m totalled humbled by the honour. It&rsquo;s not something I ever set out to achieve or have bestowed on me. It&rsquo;s surreal taking it in. &nbsp;I&rsquo;m very grateful to John Morgan and Jerry Hirst for the nominations and the clubs and everyone who got behind the nomination. I started playing rugby when I was six and I&rsquo;m now I&rsquo;m 70. I&rsquo;ve spent 64 years in the game and love it.&rdquo;</p><p>McKittrick becomes the 12th Life Member at Harbour Rugby.</p><br />(<a href="https://www.infonews.co.nz/news.cfm?id=122090">Source</a>)<br /><br /> ]]></description>
<pubDate>Tue, 13 Apr 2021 03:25:29 GMT</pubDate>
<guid>https://www.infonews.co.nz/news.cfm?id=122090</guid>
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<title>Harbour looks to evolve youth rugby to keep players</title>
<link>https://www.infonews.co.nz/news.cfm?id=121966</link>
<author>dave worsley</author>
<description><![CDATA[ <a href="https://www.infonews.co.nz/default.cfm?t=27" style="text-decoration:none;font-size:80%;font-weight:bold;color:#2D7428;">RUGBY</a>



<p>North Harbour Rugby will be providing a platform for Club Rugby teams to play alongside schools in the newly developed Youth Rugby system in 2021.</p><p>The new approach will also see the delaying of open weight Rugby in favour of weight restricted grades for boys and Rip Rugby (non-contact) options at Secondary Schools.</p><p>David Gibson, Harbour Rugby&rsquo;s Chief Executive says there has been a strong case for change for some years now.</p><p>&quot;We have seen across the country and in our region, particular with youth males between the ages of 12-15 years of age, a steady decline in participants and teams. We need to look at better ways to meet this generations needs. The changes we are making will hopefully be a shift in a good direction.&quot;</p><p>&quot;We are in the process of communicating the changes to Clubs and Schools in preparation for the start of the Rugby season in May&quot; said Gibson.</p><p>In 2019 the Union initiated changes in Junior Rugby to increase engagement and improve the Rugby experience for kids. Late in 2020, the Union introduced a new evidence-based model- &quot;The People in Rugby model- Nga Tangata i te Whutuporo&quot;. Which moves away from the traditional participation to performance pyramid and focuses on the needs and motivations of people to engage and stay connected to Rugby.</p><p>Bill Wigglesworth who leads Harbour Rugby&rsquo;s Engagement and Participation Team, reinforced how important the model was in developing a set of tactics to guide their work in the youth space.</p><p>&quot;What we found was that youth need to value the experience otherwise they will do other things. The experience needs to be safe and there needs to more to choose from- both in what Rugby offers and how it is delivered. The new approach sees better weight restricted offerings; and more tackle and Rip Rugby options for secondary school aged boys and girls,&quot; said Wigglesworth.</p><p>Research also shows another critical contributor to the success of any sport involving youth is that Provincial Unions, Clubs and Schools must collaborate and cooperate better.</p><p>Nick Mulvaney, who leads the Unions Community Operations team, and is at the coal face when it comes to dealing with club and school officials, says he believes Harbour has the community who can collaborate positively and change where change is needed.</p><p>&quot;We have great people working in the youth space however the system and regulations at times do not promote collaboration between Clubs and Schools. We believe the system needs to evolve to promote more collaboration. If this is supported with good processes that keep the best interests of youth front of mind, we have a belief we can increase engagement and grow participation across the rugby sector,&quot; said Mulvaney.</p><p>Sir Graham Henry, All Black coaching great and NZ Rugby life member has been a longstanding advocate for Club and School collaboration, weight restricted Rugby and innovating in order to provide better experiences for youth.</p><p>Henry believes provincial unions, schools and clubs must work together better for the next generation of players, coaches, managers, referees, and volunteers.</p><p>&quot;The top end professional side of the game, COVID aside, is in good shape. The community game needs more emphasis. We need to listen to what youth want and do not want, innovate, and be prepared to change.</p><p>We need to make Rugby more appealing for the vast majority of youth who won&rsquo;t go on and may not want to go on to be elite athletes. Weight restricted offerings, collaboration between clubs and schools, and different Rugby options are all positive shifts in my view&quot;.</p><p>Gibson says he&rsquo;s had several conversations with &quot;Ted&quot;, his former coach, on topics such as youth rugby and he is willing to lend his support.</p><br />(<a href="https://www.infonews.co.nz/news.cfm?id=121966">Source</a>)<br /><br /> ]]></description>
<pubDate>Fri, 26 Feb 2021 02:11:26 GMT</pubDate>
<guid>https://www.infonews.co.nz/news.cfm?id=121966</guid>
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<title>A Special Game Deserves a Special Jersey for the Battle of the Bridge</title>
<link>https://www.infonews.co.nz/news.cfm?id=121717</link>
<author>dave worsley</author>
<description><![CDATA[ <a href="https://www.infonews.co.nz/default.cfm?t=27" style="text-decoration:none;font-size:80%;font-weight:bold;color:#2D7428;">RUGBY</a>



<p>A special game deserves a special jersey as the 2020 edition of the &lsquo;Battle of the Bridge&rsquo; match in the Mitre 10 Cup kicks off this Saturday at North Harbour Stadium.</p><p>Major partner of sport within the greater region, Barfoot and Thompson is pleased to bring the game to the public and to continue to support sport in the community.</p><p>&ldquo;The Battle of the Bridge is one of rugby&rsquo;s biggest rivalries around the world and Barfoot &amp; Thompson see this as an event with the ability to bring communities together, something which is an important driver for our business. In 2020 where there has been so many challenges, united communities have never been so important,&rdquo; said Peter Thompson.</p><p>Meanwhile Paladin sport, which partners with both QBE North Harbour and Auckland have designed a special commemorative jersey for the game.</p><p>&ldquo;It is an honour and a privilege, for the first time, to be in partnership with both &ldquo;Battle of the Bridge&rdquo; teams, in Auckland Rugby and North Harbour Rugby respectively, as their Official Apparel Partner for Mitre 10 Cup. Auckland Rugby Union is the latest addition to our stable of Professional teams,&rdquo; said Ed Harman, Global Co-CEO of The Paladin Sports Group.</p><p>&ldquo;Paladin prides itself in the ability to do bespoke, high quality jersey designs with quick manufacturing turnaround times and this is evident in this special edition &lsquo;Battle of the Bridge&rsquo; jersey designed specifically for this &lsquo;steeped in history&rsquo; fixture. We are proud to be associated with both these teams and excited for this epic battle taking place at North Harbour Stadium on Saturday. May the best team win!&rdquo;</p><p>For North Harbour the challenges this year have been immense with limited time to start the season or get a team practicing together, plus a blockbuster game against Canterbury to start the season with no crowd and other difficulties. Habour Chief Executive, David Gibson believes when it comes to a rivalry this game has it all.</p><p>&ldquo;The Battle of the Bridge has been significant since 1986 when a great rivalry from each side of the bridge emerged and has continued ever since. To have the support of Barfoot and Thompson for rugby around the region as well as Paladin is huge to the growth and development of the sport, at all the levels. The special commemorative jersey is a symbol of both the rivalry and friendship between the two unions as well as the initiative from Paladin who are great supporters of North Harbour rugby,&rdquo; said Gibson.</p><p>Auckland Rugby CEO, Jarrod Bear echoed Gibson&rsquo;s thoughts and was looking forward to another great encounter between the two provinces.</p><p>&ldquo;Auckland Rugby is focussed on building a stronger whanau through rugby. The long standing rivalry between North Harbour and Auckland only promotes that strength of whanau and it&rsquo;s a privilege to have great partners like Barfoot &amp; Thompson that can make things like this one of a kind jersey happen,&rdquo; said Bear.</p><p>The first clash between the two sides was in 1986 at Eden Park, midweek with a victory to the home side. Since then there have been a wide variety of results and a fierce rivalry has developed between the two sides. The last three years have seen a big win to Harbour in 2017, followed by the reverse in 2018 and a 28-all draw last year.</p><p>The match kicks off at 7.05pm, Saturday 24 October. Tickets can be purchased at <a href="https://www.iticket.co.nz/events/2020/oct/qbe-harbour-v-auckland">https://www.iticket.co.nz/events/2020/oct/qbe-harbour-v-auckland</a> with a special deal of two general admission tickets for $19.85.</p><br />(<a href="https://www.infonews.co.nz/news.cfm?id=121717">Source</a>)<br /><br /> ]]></description>
<pubDate>Thu, 22 Oct 2020 02:52:50 GMT</pubDate>
<guid>https://www.infonews.co.nz/news.cfm?id=121717</guid>
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<title>A Special Game Deserves a Special Jersey for the Battle of the Bridge</title>
<link>https://www.infonews.co.nz/news.cfm?id=121716</link>
<author>dave worsley</author>
<description><![CDATA[ <a href="https://www.infonews.co.nz/default.cfm?t=27" style="text-decoration:none;font-size:80%;font-weight:bold;color:#2D7428;">RUGBY</a>



<p>A special game deserves a special jersey as the 2020 edition of the &lsquo;Battle of the Bridge&rsquo; match in the Mitre 10 Cup kicks off this Saturday at North Harbour Stadium.</p><p>Major partner of sport within the greater region, Barfoot and Thompson is pleased to bring the game to the public and to continue to support sport in the community.</p><p>&ldquo;The Battle of the Bridge is one of rugby&rsquo;s biggest rivalries around the world and Barfoot &amp; Thompson see this as an event with the ability to bring communities together, something which is an important driver for our business. In 2020 where there has been so many challenges, united communities have never been so important,&rdquo; said Peter Thompson.</p><p>Meanwhile Paladin sport, which partners with both QBE North Harbour and Auckland have designed a special commemorative jersey for the game.</p><p>&ldquo;It is an honour and a privilege, for the first time, to be in partnership with both &ldquo;Battle of the Bridge&rdquo; teams, in Auckland Rugby and North Harbour Rugby respectively, as their Official Apparel Partner for Mitre 10 Cup. Auckland Rugby Union is the latest addition to our stable of Professional teams,&rdquo; said Ed Harman, Global Co-CEO of The Paladin Sports Group.</p><p>&ldquo;Paladin prides itself in the ability to do bespoke, high quality jersey designs with quick manufacturing turnaround times and this is evident in this special edition &lsquo;Battle of the Bridge&rsquo; jersey designed specifically for this &lsquo;steeped in history&rsquo; fixture. We are proud to be associated with both these teams and excited for this epic battle taking place at North Harbour Stadium on Saturday. May the best team win!&rdquo;</p><p>For North Harbour the challenges this year have been immense with limited time to start the season or get a team practicing together, plus a blockbuster game against Canterbury to start the season with no crowd and other difficulties. Habour Chief Executive, David Gibson believes when it comes to a rivalry this game has it all.</p><p>&ldquo;The Battle of the Bridge has been significant since 1986 when a great rivalry from each side of the bridge emerged and has continued ever since. To have the support of Barfoot and Thompson for rugby around the region as well as Paladin is huge to the growth and development of the sport, at all the levels. The special commemorative jersey is a symbol of both the rivalry and friendship between the two unions as well as the initiative from Paladin who are great supporters of North Harbour rugby,&rdquo; said Gibson.</p><p>Auckland Rugby CEO, Jarrod Bear echoed Gibson&rsquo;s thoughts and was looking forward to another great encounter between the two provinces.</p><p>&ldquo;Auckland Rugby is focussed on building a stronger whanau through rugby. The long standing rivalry between North Harbour and Auckland only promotes that strength of whanau and it&rsquo;s a privilege to have great partners like Barfoot &amp; Thompson that can make things like this one of a kind jersey happen,&rdquo; said Bear.</p><p>The first clash between the two sides was in 1986 at Eden Park, midweek with a victory to the home side. Since then there have been a wide variety of results and a fierce rivalry has developed between the two sides. The last three years have seen a big win to Harbour in 2017, followed by the reverse in 2018 and a 28-all draw last year.</p><p>The match kicks off at 7.05pm, Saturday 24 October. Tickets can be purchased at <a href="https://www.iticket.co.nz/events/2020/oct/qbe-harbour-v-auckland">https://www.iticket.co.nz/events/2020/oct/qbe-harbour-v-auckland</a> with a special deal of two general admission tickets for $19.85.</p><br />(<a href="https://www.infonews.co.nz/news.cfm?id=121716">Source</a>)<br /><br /> ]]></description>
<pubDate>Thu, 22 Oct 2020 02:52:47 GMT</pubDate>
<guid>https://www.infonews.co.nz/news.cfm?id=121716</guid>
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<title>Scoring Tries Means Money For Charity As North Harbour Take On Hawkes Bay</title>
<link>https://www.infonews.co.nz/news.cfm?id=121699</link>
<author>dave worsley</author>
<description><![CDATA[ <a href="https://www.infonews.co.nz/default.cfm?t=27" style="text-decoration:none;font-size:80%;font-weight:bold;color:#2D7428;">RUGBY</a>



<p>The QBE North Harbour Mitre 10 Cup team will be scoring tries for more than just a win when they take on Hawkes Bay on Saturday at 2.05pm at North Harbour Stadium.</p><p>For every try scored by Harbour against Hawkes Bay, QBE Insurance will donate $2000.00 to its charity, Orange Sky. This will feature on the big screen at North Harbour Stadium as well.</p><p>Orange Sky provides free laundry, warm showers and companionship to people experiencing homelessness. https://orangesky.org.nz/ It also highlights that Saturday 10 October is official World Homeless Day.</p><p>&ldquo;Part of what we do at Orange Sky is we communicate with the homeless. We work with other organisations and provide a safe place for the homeless to get washing done, have a shower and they can use our services for free,&rdquo; said Eddie Uini, Orange Sky NZ manager.</p><p>&ldquo;There&rsquo;s a lot of people doing it tough at the moment. We have a weekly schedule around Auckland working with different groups, bringing companionship, washing and showers. Things which others take for granted. It goes a long way.</p><p>It&rsquo;s a massive opportunity for us being partnered with QBE and the effort from North Harbour rugby. it&rsquo;s a big thing for us, we say all the best to the team.&rdquo;</p><p>It&rsquo;s an important match for both teams in the Mitre 10 Cup as the home team beat defending champions, Tasman last week and Hawkes Bay won the Ranfurly Shield in their last game.</p><p>The game kicks off at 2.05pm at North Harbour Stadium with a crowd allowed for the first time this season. There is also a Farah Palmer Cup game earlier in the day as the Harbour Hibiscus take on Waikato in their final match of the season &ndash; kickoff at 11.35am. Tickets on sale at the gate or through iticket https://www.iticket.co.nz/events/2020/oct/qbe-harbour-v-hawkes-bay</p><p>North Harbour will be giving out orange T-shirts to members of the crowd to highlight the homeless in New Zealand.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><br />(<a href="https://www.infonews.co.nz/news.cfm?id=121699">Source</a>)<br /><br /> ]]></description>
<pubDate>Fri, 09 Oct 2020 19:14:38 GMT</pubDate>
<guid>https://www.infonews.co.nz/news.cfm?id=121699</guid>
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<title>Change of date for Harbour v Hawkes Bay Game to Avoid All Blacks Clash</title>
<link>https://www.infonews.co.nz/news.cfm?id=121672</link>
<author>dave worsley</author>
<description><![CDATA[ <a href="https://www.infonews.co.nz/default.cfm?t=27" style="text-decoration:none;font-size:80%;font-weight:bold;color:#2D7428;">RUGBY</a>



<p>A positive outcome for all involved with a change of date by 24 hours for the QBE North Harbour against Hawkes Bay Mitre 10 Cup clash.</p><p>The game was set to be played on Sunday 11 October at 2.05pm at North Harbour, however this would clash with the beginning of the first Bledisloe Cup match in Wellington. After agreement between North Harbour, Hawkes Bay, NZR and broadcasters, Sky Television the match has been moved forward one day and will now be played on Saturday 10 October, 2.05pm kickoff.</p><p>The Farah Palmer Cup game between QBE North Harbour and Northland will also move forward 24hours and now be played at North Harbour Stadium at 11.35am, Saturday 10 October.</p><p>&ldquo;It&rsquo;s a win-win for everyone in that we can all watch QBE North Harbour teams play and now also the Bledisloe Cup game the following day,&rdquo; said North Harbour Rugby Chief Executive, David Gibson. &ldquo;The cooperation between all parties is great and we acknowledge that fans want to watch the sport and players want to be involved. This is the ideal solution.&rdquo;</p><p>Harbour will have extra incentive in its clash with Hawkes Bay, as it teams up with QBE and their charity partner, Orange Sky New Zealand.</p><p>For every try scored by Harbour against Hawkes Bay, QBE Insurance will donate $2,000.00 to Orange Sky. This will feature on the big screen at North Harbour Stadium as well.</p><p>Orange Sky provides free laundry, warm showers and genuine conversation to people experiencing homelessness. https://orangesky.org.nz/. It also highlights that Saturday 10 October is official World Homeless Day.</p><p>&ldquo;We have a great relationship with QBE and we&rsquo;re grateful for the opportunity to work alongside them to support the work Orange Sky is doing to help Kiwis doing it tough -&nbsp; especially in what has been a difficult year in the community,&rdquo; said Gibson.</p><p>If the game is to be under level 1 conditions, North Harbour will be giving out orange T-shirts to members of the crowd to illustrate that approximately one in a hundred people are homeless in New Zealand.</p><br />(<a href="https://www.infonews.co.nz/news.cfm?id=121672">Source</a>)<br /><br /> ]]></description>
<pubDate>Thu, 24 Sep 2020 04:03:56 GMT</pubDate>
<guid>https://www.infonews.co.nz/news.cfm?id=121672</guid>
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<title>Harbour Hibiscus Ready For Taranaki Whio In Farah Palmer Cup</title>
<link>https://www.infonews.co.nz/news.cfm?id=121653</link>
<author>dave worsley</author>
<description><![CDATA[ <a href="https://www.infonews.co.nz/default.cfm?t=27" style="text-decoration:none;font-size:80%;font-weight:bold;color:#2D7428;">RUGBY</a>



<p>The North Harbour Hibiscus are on a mission to win and to keep on improving with every game in the Farah Palmer Cup.</p><p>They showed determination and a better effort in the last 20 minutes of their loss to Bay of Plenty last week, including two tries and a real energy within the side.</p><p>And that determination will be needed if they want success against the Taranaki Whio tomorrow (Saturday 19 September) in Inglewood. It&rsquo;s a chance for many players to travel out of Auckland, but also to secure victory, but it won&rsquo;t be easy against a raw Taranaki team.</p><p>Hibiscus captain, Kate Williams talked about her sides better late game effort against BOP and she wants more of the same against the Whio.</p><p>&ldquo;The last 20 minutes of the game against BOP is how we want to feel every game. We lifted from the previous game and didn&rsquo;t drop. When we have the ball we look amazing, we just have to keep possession. We have a very young team, we want to get good minutes under our belt and be even better with each game,&rdquo; said Williams.</p><p>Both Hibiscus and Taranaki Whio have had two losses each so far this season. The game will be played at TET Stadium, Inglewood with a 2.45 kickoff.</p><p>North Harbour Hibiscus team: 5 Amy Robertshaw, 2 Lynn Koelman, 3 Olivia Ward-Duin, 4&nbsp; Huni Manutalaaho, 1 Clementine Varea, 6 Tenaija Fletcher, 7 Kate Williams, 8 Tearren Nanjan , 9 Hailey Beale, 10 Hayley Hutana, 11 Lose Mafi, 12 Phoenix Littin, 13 Zakiya Kereopa, 14 Mollie Tagaloa, 15 Olivia Waldron. Reserves:&nbsp; 16 Danjela Haigh, 17 Toakase Filimoehala, 18 Sophie Fisher, 19 Caroline Sio, 20 Tamea Te Rauna, 21 Danielle Mellow, 22 Renee Adams.</p><br />(<a href="https://www.infonews.co.nz/news.cfm?id=121653">Source</a>)<br /><br /> ]]></description>
<pubDate>Fri, 18 Sep 2020 00:07:54 GMT</pubDate>
<guid>https://www.infonews.co.nz/news.cfm?id=121653</guid>
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<title>QBE Harbour Hibiscus Ready For Round One</title>
<link>https://www.infonews.co.nz/news.cfm?id=121623</link>
<author>dave worsley</author>
<description><![CDATA[ <a href="https://www.infonews.co.nz/default.cfm?t=27" style="text-decoration:none;font-size:80%;font-weight:bold;color:#2D7428;">RUGBY</a>



<p>Under tough conditions the QBE Harbour Hibiscus team for the opening round of Farah Palmer Cup has been confirmed.</p><p>They play away against a strong Counties Manukau side at Navigation Homes Stadium in Pukekohe tomorrow (Saturday) and can expect a real battle across the field.</p><p>However led by 20-year-old openside flanker, Kate Williams alongside fellow loose forwards, Black Fern, Pia Tapsell at No.8 as well as Mahurangi College 18-year-old Tenaija Fletcher at blindside flanker there should be plenty of contesting for the loose ball.</p><p>Harbour also have another Black Ferm in Liv Ward-Duin in the front row and former Black Ferns 7s player Hayley Hutana will be a steadying influence at fullback in a relatively inexperienced, but very keen backline. Dutch rugby international Lynn Koelman is the reserve hooker, while Hailey Beale provides some experience in the backline reserves.</p><p>It&rsquo;s been a trying time for head coach Duncan McGrory with not being able to have all of his players in one group for a good length of time.</p><p>&ldquo;It&rsquo;s been a disjointed few month for us as a coaching group and the players as a squad,&rdquo; said McGrory.</p><p>&ldquo;There has been a lot of limitations put on the girls, outside of rugby, for them to continue to be a part of the squad. As with a lot of the other FPC teams, the girls are all full-time students with part time jobs or working full time jobs. The guidelines around their return to play still put some limits on them being able to operate as they normally would outside of rugby.&rdquo;</p><p>I am extremely proud of the way the girls have just taken it all in their stride and continued to work hard on their individual skills and fitness during lock down with the odd Zoom session as a squad to stay connected. Willie (Walker, assistant coach) and I are excited for the weekends game to finally get the girls on the paddock and showcase some of the talent we have coming out of the North Harbour Union.&rdquo;</p><p>During the season the QBE Harbour Hibiscus are still aiming to play a match at a club venue to showcase the game and encourage growth. The targeted game is against Auckland at the Kumeu Rugby Football Club, Saturday 26 September.</p><p>Other home games will see the Hibiscus play at North Harbour Stadium in a double-header taking on Bay of Plenty and then the QBE Harbour men face Canterbury in the Mitre 10 Cup opening match and also against Waikato Sunday 11 October.</p><p>Kick off against Counties Manukau tomorrow is 2.35pm with no crowd, but televised live on Sky TV.</p><p>The full team is:</p><p>1 JayJay Taylor, 2 Amy Robertsaw, 3 Olivia Ward-Duin, 4 Huni Manutalaaho, 5 Clementine Varea, 6 Tenaija Fletcher, 7 Kate Williams, 8 Pia Tapsell, 9 Tamea Te Rauna, 10 Olivia Waldron, 11 Lose Mafi, 12 Zakiya Kereopa, 13 Mikayla Robinson, 14 Mollie Tagaloa, 15 Hayley Hutana, Reserves: 16 Lynn Koelman, 17 Toakase Filimoehala, 18 Danjela Haigh, 19 Brooke Ellison, 20 Hailey Beale, 21 Danielle Mellow, 22 Renee Adams.</p><br />(<a href="https://www.infonews.co.nz/news.cfm?id=121623">Source</a>)<br /><br /> ]]></description>
<pubDate>Fri, 04 Sep 2020 01:17:58 GMT</pubDate>
<guid>https://www.infonews.co.nz/news.cfm?id=121623</guid>
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