Sat 5 Sep 2015 In: New Zealand Daily News View at Wayback View at NDHA
Scattered showers forecast for central Auckland this morning are a no show, and the rain is set to stay away for the Purchas Cup. The first game kicks off at 9.45AM. Picture: Andrea. Even if showers do appear, there is a large covered area for spectators. The New Zealand Falcons are hosting teams from across the Tasman, with 140 gay and gay-friendly rugby players already descending on the city. Welcome drinks were held last night. Picture: Andy. The weekend began with welcome drinks at the Sweat Shop Brew Kitchen on Sale Street. Today the on field action will happen at Western Springs Stadium, after a powhiri at the Ponsonby Clubrooms at 8.55am. The first match of the day will be between the Brisbane Hustlers and NZ Falcons B side at 9.45am. (See the full match day schedule below). All are welcome and encouraged to head along and support the teams and the event. “It’s going to be a fun day. There’s lots of things happening. And there are not many chances you get to barrack for a gay and inclusive rugby team playing international rugby, in New Zealand,” says team spokesman Gav Hyde. After a players’ awards dinner, there will be a packed Locker Room dance party at GalatosLive - the final 30 tickets sold out within five minutes when they were released. Game day schedule at Western Springs Stadium: 8.55am Powhiri – Welcome Ponsonby Clubrooms 9.45am Brisbane Hustlers v NZ Falcons B 11.00am NZ Falcons v Sydney Convicts 12.15pm Melbourne Chargers B v Brisbane Hustlers 1.30pm Sydney Convicts v Melbourne Chargers 2.45pm NZ Falcons B v Melbourne Chargers B 4.00pm Melbourne Chargers v NZ Falcons
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Saturday, 5th September 2015 - 7:41am