An adult male rugby side that’s open to anyone who has a love for the national game is being formed for next season by Pakuranga United.
In a community collaboration, the “inclusive team” is for men who want to give rugby union a go, but not necessarily in an intense environment.
Neighbourhood Support community activator in east Auckland, Andrew Poon, who’ll manage the team, says the side that’ll compete in Auckland club rugby’s first grade from April especially welcomes players from minority communities.
“We’ll be an inclusive team for people who have never played before, and we welcome members of the new migrant and LGBPT communities.”
Poon says there’s demand in the community for a rugby team that has a mix of people, with or without playing experience, and it’s about “celebrating different and diverse backgrounds”.
“This inclusive team welcomes anyone who is playing for the core values of rugby – passion, respect, and community – something Pakuranga United Rugby Club stands for.
“The team particularly welcomes those who are new or beginning rugby, those who have been disenfranchised before – from the Asian, Rainbow or migrant communities – and those who are experienced in the game but enjoy a more social, whanau, values-based playing environment.
“We are a values-not-optics based team,” says Poon, who has also played rugby for five years.
“I know I may be an unlikely face of rugby, but that’s the point.
“There hasn’t been a team in rugby like this here before.
“PURC is embracing the diversity and momentum of the interest we have had,” Poon says.
Mike Anderson, the PURC general manager, says the club welcomes the initiative.
“As a club were incredibly grateful that Andrew has reached out and is interested in building a team with us.
“We believe rugby is for everyone and this team will give more east Aucklanders the ability to experience rugby which is exciting,” says Anderson.
“This is another step in being a real hub for our community and getting more people active and is in line with what we’re working towards with the expansion of the badminton facility.
“We encourage any and everyone who is keen to give rugby a go to get in contact with Andrew or us, as were working together to ensure a safe, fun, inclusive environment for all.”
Men who want to join the new PURC first-grade team can register their interest at https://tinyurl.com/purcirt or by sending an email to rugbyadmin@purc.co.nz with questions.
PUFC is part of the developing Howick Pakuranga Community and Sports Centre (HPCSC) at Lloyd Elsmore Park.
It caters for more than 4000 participants across the sports of rugby, netball, badminton, baseball, touch rugby, and American football.
It also hosts east Auckland’s only international-standard badminton facility next to the rugby clubrooms.
In response to increased demand for indoor sports space, HPCSC, in collaboration with Lloyd Elsmore Badminton Club, intends on expanding the gymnasium.
The plan includes 17 badminton courts, two-and-a-half multi-use courts, studio space for activities such as yoga and martial arts, and a commercial gym.
