Match-day Programme : Farriers Wairarapa Bush vs Wanganui

Message from the Wairarapa Bush President

On behalf of the Wairarapa Bush Rugby Football Union, I would like to extend a very warm welcome to the players, management and supporters from Wanganui Union to this opening round of the 2019 Heartland competition.

This year’s competition starts off on a sad note with the passing of Sir Brian Lochore, earlier in the month. Sir Brian was a champion of Heartland rugby and wonderful supporter of Wairarapa Bush rugby- his presence will surely be missed. Our thoughts and best wishes go out to Lady Pam and the Lochore family.

This week’s game will be an interesting encounter as the two teams never met last season. However, both teams played in their Divisional Finals – both teams coming away in second place.
Wairarapa looks forward to this week’s game, with confidence, as they roll out a fully home grown squad. The warm up games have shown a lot of promise and it’s not often you get four brothers playing in a representative team (Max, Sam, Kirk and Ueta Tufuga). All the best boys- win this game, and the season will look very promising indeed.

I wish everyone an enjoyable day of rugby on behalf of our Union.

Bryan Weatherstone

Message from the Wairarapa Bush Chairman

On behalf of the Wairarapa Bush Rugby Union, I welcome you all here for the first game of the 2019 Mitre 10 Heartland championship.

The opening game creates a lot of excitement for the supporters and the NZ rugby community. Wanganui and Farriers Wairarapa Bush have a long history of playing against each other with many friendships created and rugby stories discussed over the years.

Today we remember Sir Brian Lochore, who passed away earlier in August with a moment of silence.

Sir Brian was our leader and legend. BJ was a passionate supporter of club rugby and more importantly, provincial rugby. His words are enshrined in our rugby history, and we should take a moment to reflect on the particular phrase “better people, make better All Blacks”.A special welcome to the players, coaches, managers and officials of Wanganui Rugby Union and to supporters from both unions.

Also, a special congratulations to James Goodger for his selection into the NZ Heartland XV side to play Manu Samoa, next weekend at Eden Park.

To our main sponsors Trust House and Farriers, it is great to be working with you again through 2019 and your commitment to rugby in the community, is to be applauded. A special thanks to all our other sponsors for your continued support of local rugby.

Jason Carruthers