Pirongia gets a helping hand

Pirongia Rugby and Sports Club is the oldest club in the Waikato and the third oldest in Aotearoa – with facilities to match.

Now a grant which comes with $10,000 worth of materials will help to upgrade the facilities which are used for rugby, bowls, netball, volleyball and community events.

The money comes from Bunnings Rugby Assist, launched this year as part of Bunnings Warehouse’s partnership with New Zealand Rugby. The annual $300,000 programme supports grassroots rugby clubs and communities to grow the game.

Club secretary Carl Sheridan said that fund will allow the club to continue its legacy and help to provide for the community into the future.

“Being the oldest rugby club in the region some of our buildings are older than 60 years so this grant gives us an opportunity to safeguard for the future.”

He said the restrooms and clubrooms are in need of an upgrade.

Over a third of all clubs in New Zealand submitted an entry for Bunnings Rugby Assist, demonstrating the huge need for financial and ongoing support for community rugby clubs.

Bunnings Rugby Assist ambassador, All Blacks and Waikato legend Stephen Donald said he was looking forward to seeing the positive impact of the programme on local rugby clubs and their communities.

“The support I’ve experienced and witnessed from local club rugby is so important to the players and keeps the sport thriving. It’s crucial for the next generation of rugby legends that we support grassroots rugby,” he said.

More Recent Sports

Rural sports honours

One who climbs trees, another who cuts them down and a carter named Carter all secured plaudits at the Rural Sports Awards in Palmerston North at the weekend. In addition to the main awards, Te…

Football takes step backwards

Waipā’s interest in football’s Southern Conference men’s league has evaporated. The league – one step down from the Northern League which takes in Auckland clubs – last season saw Cambridge crowned champions and Te Awamutu…

83 … and still running strong

When Iris Hansen crossed the Waipā Fun Run finish line on Sunday, she was quick to turn to Bart Muylle for confirmation of her time. “51 minutes 46.7 seconds,” the timekeeper told her for the…

Masson, Nyika next?

An all-kiwi cruiserweight boxing clash between Te Awamutu’s Floyd Masson and David Nyika is being talk up following Masson’s latest win. Masson scored a unanimous eight round points decision win over Nigerian Austine Nnamdi in…