Hertz is revving up for the HSBC Sevens World Series by giving its customers a unique opportunity to be first in line for tickets to the Hertz Sevens that will take place 1-2 February 2013 in Wellington.

Customers who make a Hertz rental booking online at www.hertz.co.nz for three consecutive days or more* will get exclusive ‘pre-release’ access to purchase up to four Hertz Sevens tickets** until they sell out. The promotion will run from 1 October 2012 until 25 October 2012, or until all ‘pre-release’ tickets are allocated. Rentals must be booked for travel in New Zealand between 1 November 2012 and 31 March 2013.

The number of pre-release tickets available is strictly limited and are expected to sell fast. The Hertz Sevens tickets will go on sale to the general public at 9am on Wednesday, 7 November for the 2013 tournament and last year they sold out in under 5 minutes, making them the hottest tickets in the country.

“We are really pleased to make pre-release tickets available to Hertz customers,” says Hertz Sevens General Manager, Steve Walters. “We’ve decided to undertake this exclusive offer in recognition of the great relationship we have built with Hertz over the course of their sponsorship this year.”

“It’s a real coup to be able to offer our customers the chance to gain exclusive access to tickets in the lead up to the Hertz Sevens next year,” says Mark Righton, Hertz New Zealand Country Manager.

“Our sponsorship of the Sevens in Wellington is growing year on year, and we’re thrilled people can also guarantee their place at one of the most exciting events in the international rugby calendar by booking their rental car through us. We think quite a few people will take up this offer, as it will be the
best and easiest way for them to ensure they are watching the Kiwi team win!”

Hertz is the largest worldwide airport general use car rental brand, operating from approximately 8,650 locations in 150 countries, including over 40 in New Zealand. 

For more information or to make a booking visit www.hertz.co.nz

* Normal rental terms and conditions apply. See www.hertz.co.nz for details.
**Hertz Sevens promotion terms and conditions apply:
• Participating customers will have the right to purchase up to four “pre-release” Hertz
Sevens general stand tickets for $199 each (including GST) from ticketek.co.nz between
29 – 30 October 2012 using a unique promotion code: (PC) 175140.
• The unique booking code will be emailed to customers within 72 hours of making an
eligible rental booking online at hertz.co.nz.
• The number of unique promotion codes is strictly limited and as they will be allocated on a
first-in time basis, customers are advised to book their rental with Hertz early to avoid
disappointment. A car rental deposit charge of $150 and a ticket booking fee of $8.75
applies at the time of ticket purchase.
• This offer applies to Hertz online reservations only made from 1 October 2012, quoting
promotion code.
• The pre-release tickets are available on a limited basis, and the offer closes once they
sell out.
• This offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other discounts, offers or promotions.
• All car rentals are subject to Hertz terms and conditions.

Massey student Sarah Goss has been named vice-captain of the New Zealand women’s sevens squad.

The 19-year-old is in her second year of a Bachelor of Arts majoring in Maori Studies, and while she’s been playing rugby for six years she only took up sevens three years ago.

Miss Goss, who has played for Aotearoa Maori Sevens and Manawatu NPC teams, described the call-up as a “massive achievement”.

The team travel to Fjii this week to play in the Oceania women’s sevens championships. “I’m really excited about Fiji, it will be my first time wearing the black jersey and having a leadership role is really cool,” she says.

The team will also compete in an International Rugby Board tournament in Dubai later this year as they gear up for the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.

Sport Manawatu and the Manawatu Rugby Union are running a series of free workshops and training camps aimed at local rugby sevens players and coaches.

Teachers and club coaches interested in learning the basics of the sport can register for a free Coaching Workshop at Freyberg High School on Monday February 27.

There will also be a Schools Sevens Training Camp starting on March 5 that will run for three weeks for secondary school boys and girls aged 16 and over.

‘This is a great opportunity for coaches to learn more about the general structure of the game and develop the knowledge and confidence to coach rugby sevens effectively,” says Sport Manawatu’s Mike Pettman.

“Both of these programmes will provide coaches and players with the perfect lead up to the Regional Secondary Schools Sevens Tournament on April 1, where the winner will qualify for the BNZ Condor Sevens.”

The BNZ Condor Sevens includes the top 16 teams in New Zealand who compete for the national championship.

“Sevens has now been included as a 2016 Olympic sport and the NZ Rugby Union has a strategy to identify talented school boys and girls, along with developing skills and growing the game. We think these course will be a great opportunity for our future sevens players and it’s a good way to create more of a pathway into the game for school aged kids.”

Students can register for the training camp via their sports coordinator while teachers and club coaches can register at sportmanawatu.org.nz/sevensworkshop. 

Qantas is taking the excitement generated at the Wellington Rugby Sevens global as the participating teams departed for their next stop yesterday – Las Vegas!

Qantas New Zealand secured the opportunity to fly Australia, England, Canada, USA, Argentina, South Africa, Kenya and Japan to the Vegas Sevens which take place this week from 10-12 February.

Qantas’ Regional General Manager New Zealand and Pacific Islands, Rohan Garnett, says the Rugby Sevens partnership is a great chance to provide support for this exciting international sporting competition.

“As the airline sponsor of the Vegas Sevens this year, this offers Qantas a unique opportunity to support each sporting nation at the match as they take to the field.

“We are looking forward to cheering on each of the teams and wish them all the best for Vegas,” he says.

Wellington Police are pleased with the behaviour of Sevens fans following day two of the event in the Capital tonight.

Hertz Sevens Operation Commander Inspector Simon Perry says there were a total of six arrests and 40 evictions at the stadium throughout the course of the day.

"Of the six people arrested, two relate to people running onto or attempting to go onto the playing field. The rest were for disorder offences. The 40 evictions were for behaviour offences and intoxication. 30 people were denied entry due to intoxication and smuggling alcohol."

During day one yesterday, there were a total of 8 arrests and 28 evictions made at the stadium throughout the course of the day.

Inspector Perry says a large number of Police and emergency services personnel are out and about throughout the city tonight, ensuring Sevens partygoers can enjoy themselves safely.

In just 10 days' time (Friday 3 February), the world's best rugby carnival - the 2012 Hertz Rugby Sevens tournament - kicks-off.

The Council's Sports and Events Portfolio Leader, Councillor John Morrison, says the Sevens is one of Wellington's best events of the year.

"We have made this event our own - even the International Rugby Board says Wellington sets the standard for the series," says Cr Morrison.

"Half the crowd are often from out of town and love coming to Wellington for the atmosphere.

It's only in Wellington that people go all-out in costume - it seems to get better every year."

The fun starts next Thursday (2 February) with the popular Hertz Sevens parade. Road closures will be in place at lunchtime along Lambton Quay and Willis Street - if you work or live in the area, pop outside and cheer on the 16 international teams as they're welcomed to the city.

With any big event involving tens of thousands of people, there needs to be a few rules and we'll have to close some roads.

Courtenay Place and surrounding streets will be no-go areas for motorists from Saturday 4 February at 5.00pm to Sunday 5 February at 6.00am (see map). Residents and business owners will be glad to know you can still gain access to your regular off-street parking, but to make things easier, it helps if you have proof of residency.

Buses and taxis will be re-routed during the closures. The road closures are designed to ensure everyone can safely enjoy Wellington's nightlife after the rugby wraps up at the stadium. If you plan to be in the city during the event, you are encouraged to walk or use public transport.

The best way to get to the stadium if you're catching a bus is to get off at the bus terminal next to the Railway Station. If you're on a train, there are special access ramps from the Railway Station to the stadium's elevated walkway. Extra trains will run on all lines (except the Wairarapa line) on Friday and Saturday.

If you require more information about the road closures, phone us on (04) 499 4444. For information on the Hertz Sevens, visit:

Hertz Sevens website

Rugby fans still on a high from the Rugby World Cup will be keen to watch the New Zealand Rugby Sevens team defend their title and honour at the 2012 Cathay Pacific/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens from March 23-25, 2012.

Hong Kong is the birthplace of Rugby Sevens and the Hong Kong Sevens remain the premium event in the Rugby Sevens international calendar, as much for the unique carnival atmosphere in the streets and at the Hong Kong Stadium, as for the fast paced rugby games. There is a fantastic camaraderie among fans, many of whom dress up in gear they would never dream of wearing at home or in the office. There are Spartans, Greek Gods and plenty of full Lycra body suits among the crowds in the popular South Stand.

For those who want to be part of the fun atmosphere and also witness some terrifically competitive rugby, Cathay Pacific has a range of ticket options and travel packages for the 2012 Cathay Pacific/HSBC Hong Kong Rugby Sevens. However, tickets are limited and fans who want to attend the tournament should get in quick to avoid disappointment.

A number of packages are available, ranging from a basic package of return air fare from Auckland to Hong Kong with tickets to the three day event, starting at $1930 for Economy Class travel and $6849 for Business Class.

For fans needing accommodation, packages which includes return air fare, accommodation in Hong Kong with a choice of 11 hotels and tickets to the Sevens, start from $2275 per person (on a share twin basis) for three night using the Cosmo Hotel in Mongkok through to the Park Lane Hotel, Causeway Bay for $2695 per person, or for those who fancy a spot of luxury Island Shangri-la Hotel from $3024 per person , share twin.

Packages with return airfare, four nights’ accommodation and Sevens tickets range from $2405 per person share twin at the Cosmo Hotel to $3385 at the Island Shangri-la per person share twin.

Passengers who wish to have more flexible travel options can purchase tickets for the three day event for $350 per ticket. However, passengers must travel into and out of Hong Kong to on Cathay Pacific to be eligible to purchase these tickets.

Reservations for these packages can be made on-line at www.cathaypacific.co.nz or through a local TAANZ bonded travel agent.

In a few weeks Feilding High School will make the journey north to compete for the national Condor Rugby Sevens title at the College Rifles Rugby Football Club in Remuera, Auckland.

Competing in the newly revamped Condor Rugby Sevens tournament is not a first for the school. Feilding has competed in the past when it was an invitational tournament.

With a qualification process now in place for 2011, teams from the Manawatu and Horowhenua competed in a local competition for the right to compete in the national tournament.

Feilding won the Manawatu/Horowhenua qualifier by fending off Palmerston North Boys’ High School in the final 36 – 22.

They will now look to the Condor Sevens where they have been drawn against six-time winners Wesley College from Counties Manakau as well as North Harbour up and comer Rosmini College, the remaining side is a young Southland Boys’ High School team.

The finals will be played on the new synthetic rugby fields at the College Rifles Rugby Club in Remuera on the weekend of December 3-4.

Feilding High School rugby spokesman Rick Francis says the team’s training has been intensive.

“Since the victory at the regional tournament the team has been undergoing an intensive training regime under school sevens coach Kerry Whale, which has included trainings and practice games against New Plymouth Boys’ High School and the Manawatu Sevens squad.”

Francis expects the team to be very competitive in the tournament with the aim of finishing at the top of their pool to qualify for the finals.

The school has two players that are currently members of the Manawatu side, Semesi Masirewa and Jamie Perigo, who under the watchful eye of Paul Claridge have been training with both squads following the conclusion of the 15-a-side version of the game.

Sport Manawatu’s Ben Koch says rugby sevens is certainly growing in New Zealand at the grassroots level.

“With the Manawatu Rugby Union offering sevens to both boys and girls it creates a great foundation for growth in the sport locally.”

The tournament is expected to be televised on Sky Sports Rugby Channel following on from the more recent success of the televised 1st XV College Rugby. 

The launch of the 2013 Rugby Sevens World Cup to be held in Moscow was a brief and quite formal event. But it was accompanied by a powerful statement.

Alexander Zhukov, the Russian deputy prime minister and head of the Russian National Olympic Committee, said at the official launch ceremony on Thursday in New Plymouth that he would lobby for the permanent inclusion of the sport at Olympic Games.

“Rugby Sevens will make its debut at the 2016 Olympic Games (in Rio de Janeiro),” Zhukov said. “If I could decide, I would make it a regular Olympic discipline as it is an interesting kind of rugby. Russia will support its permanent inclusion to the Olympic programme.”

He also confirmed that Russia is willing to invest heavily in the future of the sport. About 40,000 people play for Russian rugby clubs, while 16 professional clubs form the country's championship.

“Rugby is becoming more popular in Russia. There is governmental and private support of the sport, and there are more young people who take it up,” Zhukov said.

'Truly global'

“Rugby Sevens World Cup 2013 in Moscow will contribute to Russia’s engagement in the world rugby family."

Bernard Lapasset, chairman of the International Rugby Board (IRB), called it “exciting times for rugby.”

“Over the next decade we will see the first Rugby World Cup in Asia when Japan host the tournament in 2019, as well as rugby at Olympic Games 2016 in Rio and 2020,” the Frenchman said.

“There is no doubt rugby can become truly global and we are committed to continuing to invest in the development of the game. One key of the strategy is the hosting of Rugby World Cup Sevens 2013 in Russia.”

The official launch was held a few hours before Russia met USA at New Plymouth's Stadium Taranaki in their debut match at a Rugby World Cup.

Feilding High School qualified for the BNZ Condor Sevens yesterday (April 10) defeating Palmerston North Boys’ High School 36-22 at Ongley Park and taking bragging rights over their old foes in the process.

The annual Manawatu/Horowhenua Tournament doubles as a qualifier for the Condor Sevens tournament in Auckland on December 4 2011.

Feilding will join 13 other schools in Auckland in December for the right to be crowned the New Zealand Secondary School Sevens champion and with one eye on the Olympic Games in Rio 2016 where the sport makes its debut.

“Feilding High School, played well as a team and showed a strong defensive line throughout the day, the final saw Zane Crook and Semesi Masirewa dominating the scorecard,” says Sport Manawatu’s Ben Koch.

Palmerston North Boys’ High School started strongly in the final scoring two quick tries in front of a good crowd at Ongley Park. Feilding spread the ball wide using their speed to strike back to lead 17-10 at half time. In an exciting second spell Boys’ High locked the scores at 22-22, Feilding scored two late tries to secure the win 36-22 and book a spot at the National finals.

Feilding Captain Jamie Perigo said that the regional competition gave his players a chance to show their skills in the shortened version of the game and they will look to emulate the 2004 side, who featured All Black flanker George Whitelock and Highlanders flanker Nick Crosswell and finished runners-up to Mount Albert Grammar School, when they head north in December.

“A special mention goes to all of the Manawatu Rugby Referees who gave their time to officiate the event for the day as well as Chris Ricketts from the Manawatu Rugby Union who re-established the event to its current state to create a new exiting opportunity for secondary school rugby players,” says Mr Koch.

Police were kept busy overnight as Sevens fans celebrated New Zealand's win over England, throughout the Courtenay Place Party Zone.

Between 11pm and 5:30am, there were 43 arrests. The majority of these were for disorder and assault/fighting, fuelled by alcohol.

Acting Inspector Scott Miller of the Wellington Police says it was pleasing that there were no large disorder problems last night, or any arrests of a serious nature.

"The majority of partygoers were very well behaved with a friendly atmosphere and only a small number spoiled the fun with an aggressive alcohol-fuelled attitude."

Ambulance staff were busy all night with alcohol related distress and fatigue. Of note they treated many people for cuts/lacerations to their feet, with many needing stitches, due to the numerous costumes being worn that did not require footwear.

Acting Inspector Miller says although there were a large number of intoxicated men and women within the Party Zone, few were left by themselves, with the worst affected being looked after by their mates, which was pleasing to see.

Wellington Police are overall pleased with the large crowd who celebrated the NZI Sevens over the weekend.

Sevens Operation Commander Senior Sergeant Simon Feltham says for such a large crowd of 34,000 people each day, the majority were well-behaved, with alcohol fuelling problems for a small few.

On day one (Friday 4 February 2011), 16 people were arrested at the stadium and 76 evicted. A further 18 people were arrested in the central city, at the conclusion of day one.

On day two yesterday (Saturday 5 February 2011), 28 people were arrested at the stadium and 40 evicted, with a further 43 arrested in the city overnight.

Senior Sergeant Simon Feltham says, "Police were concerned though about the severely intoxicated young women at the stadium yesterday, who were totally incapable of looking after themselves, so there's still plenty of work to do to reduce alcohol-related harm at the Sevens in the future."

The forward command centre in Tory Street last night allowed better coordination of emergency services personnel, who were stationed at the permanent base throughout the night, supported by the NZ Fire Service's hazmat/command vehicle.