The much anticipated, celebrity studded ‘Pack the Park’ rugby game is almost here, and it is one you and the whole family don’t want to miss. 

With each team lined with a host of rugby greats, including Sir Graham Henry, Troy Flavell, Jimmy Cowan and Carlos Spencer to name just a few, The Official Pack the Park 2020 is sure to be a crowd pleaser. 

Kick-off is at 4.05pm tomorrow (October 17) at Invercargill’s Rugby Park and the game will act as a curtain raiser to Southland Stags versus Taranaki match which kicks off at 7.05 pm that evening.

Advertisement

Advertise on the Southland App

Gates open at 3.20 pm and entry into the terraces (standing area) is free. Attendees are also invited to stay on and watch the Mitre 10 Cup game afterwards at no charge.

The Pack the Pack is a huge thank you to the people of Southland and Otago for their unwavering support of the Southland Charity Hospital and the Buy a Brick Campaign. 

It also marks the one-year anniversary of the death of much-loved Winton man, Blair Vining, whose dream it was to build a charity hospital in Southland. 

After being diagnosed with terminal bowel cancer, he dedicated the rest of his life to advocating for better cancer care for all New Zealanders. He along with his wife Missy, dreamed of opening a charity hospital in Southland so no more Kiwis would have to go without the care they needed. 

Their amazing mission captured the hearts of thousands of Kiwis and since Mr Vining’s death, millions of dollars has been donated in support of the hospital. 

Missy Vining said she was so blown away by the support shown from the community that she just had to give something back. 

Advertisement

Advertise on the Southland App

The Pack the Park game will be played between the ‘AB Lime Blair Vining XV’ and the ‘ITM Invitational XV.’

And not only are some big names in Kiwi rugby taking part, but the teams also include friends and teammates of the late Blair Vining.

According to the Southland Charity Hospital, when Sir Graham Henry was asked to coach the Blair Vining XV, he simply said, “Of course. Blair was an extraordinary man. I would be delighted”. 

What you need to know:

• Entry to the terraces (standing area) at Rugby park is free.
• Gates open at 3.20 pm and kick off for the Pack the Park game is at 4.05 pm. You can also stay on and enjoy the Southland Stags versus Taranaki game at 7.05 pm for free too. 
• If you want to purchase tickets to the stands, you can purchase them from ticketek.co.nz. These tickets also include entry to both games. 

The Teams

AB Lime Blair Vining XV: Squad - Andrew Hore, Wyatt Crocket, Ali Williams, Bryce Casey (captain), Jason Rutledge, Corey Flynn, Jimmy Cowan, Tim Boys, Dayna Cunningham, Carlos Spencer, Tony Brown, Callum Bruce, Pita Alatini, Daniel Pinn, Steve McKay, Ben McHugh, Brian Anderson, Damian Pulley, Craig Robins, Joe Robins, Quinn Robins, Al Jones, James Caldwell, Matt O’Connell, Scott Carmody.

Coach: Sir Graham Henry, Assistant coach: Chris Cairns. Hydration specialist: Corey Price. Doctor: Peter Finlayson. Physio: Karl McDonald (SportsMed Southern Physiotherapy). Manager: Derek Cowie

ITM Invitational XV: Squad - Kees Meuws, Davin Heaps, Tii Tii Paulo, John Blaikie, Kelvin Middleton, Hale T-Pole, Paul Miller, Matt Watson (captain), Andy Ellis, Brendon Laney, Dwayne Sweeney, Neil Brew, Troy Flavell, Shaun Vining, Willie Walker, Callum Rutledge, Pete Thomson, John Officer, Tere Cummings, Chris Menzies, Brendon Mitchell, Craig Valli, Hayden Gentle, Vinnie Cruickshank, Gregor Laughton.

Coach: Israel ‘Izzy’ Dagg, Assistant coach: Joseph Parker. Hydration specialist: Brad Anderson. Physio: Craig McColl (Windsor Street Physio)

The Referees: Craig Joubert, Keith Brown, Vinnie Munro, Paddy O'Brien