Rugby World Cup

Our family association with sport starts with Paul's father, Jim. He played rugby for Thames Valley, and played in a Thames Valley/Bay of Plenty combined side against the Springboks in 1956. Jim hung up his boots after the arrival of his first child, Paul's older sister Debbie. He kept his sporting passion and carried it over to bowls, playing with greats such as Ivan Kostanich. Jim still keeps his eye in with the odd game at his long-time club of Helensville on the Kaipara Harbour.

http://www.nzhistory.net.nz/culture/regional-rugby/thames-valley

http://rugbyrelics.com/Museum/countries/SA/tr-1956.htm

Paul tried rugby but after one game on a winter's morning in frosty Invercargill decided it was not for him. Instead he followed cricket as his passion, playing at Kumeu Club for many years, and rising to Premier level to play against Dipak Patel and Willie Watson.

Now our sporting contact is limited to the armchair version, with rugby games 'refereed' from our lounge. "Come on Ref" is a common cry and "Unbelievable" or "Offside" are words we all know well.

Paul travelled to the Caribbean for the Cricket World Cup a few years ago and is now looking forward to the action here on our doorstep - the Rugby World Cup 2011, here at Eden Park, Mt Eden, Auckland.

Our suburb has adopted Tonga as its second team, and flags for both the All Blacks and Tonga are now flying from cars and houses all around the neighbourhood. Come and join the local spirit, be part of the atmosphere, and join us for Rugby World Cup 2011.

Please enquire about accommodation in Auckland during Rugby World Cup.