This early morning game of ‘Rippa Rugby’ in Te Marae o Hine – The Square was played by local school children who donned the colours of Romania and Georgia. These countries played their Rugby World Cup 2011 game at Palmerston North’s Arena later that night. The game attracted media interest, with TV One news reporters Tamati Coffey and Petra Bagust in attendance.
Captaining the kids of the Romanian team was Palmerston North Mayor Jono Naylor, while the kids representing Georgia were captained by Manawatū Mayor Ian McKelvie. The Referee was local All Black Aaron Cruden and attending legends of the game included Nevan MacEwen and Sam Strahan.
‘Romanian’ team:
Van Prenter, Scott Anderson, Caleb Martin, Cooper Ryder, Caleb Satterthwaite, Ryan Satterthwaite, Alexi Vertongen, Tipene Norman, Fergus Sutherland, Charlie Yorke, Jeremy Newland, Harrison Cunningham and Cooper Furnell.
‘Georgian’ team:
Madison Courtney, Kayla Bevan, Ryan Gleeson, Harrison Booth, Jak Campbell-Meads, Zavier Pakau-Timoti, Matua Pomare, Korey Satterthwaite, Ruairidh Sutherland, Isaac Newland, Jack Hughes-Long, Tom Grieg and Jaedyn Bevan.
Rippa Rugby is the non-contact version of the game designed to encourage young children to learn basic skills and pick up an enjoyment of the game.
The ‘Our People, Our Place’ Festival was a pan-regional organisational effort across hospitality, local government, business and other organisations to ensure a wealth of activities were on offer for tourists and visitors travelling for the 2011 Rugby World Cup.

TV One News sent breakfast reporters Tamati Coffey and Petra Bagust to cover the early morning ‘Rippa Rugby’ game between local school children representing the nations of Romania and Georgia who were set to play their Rugby World Cup match in Palmerston North later that night.

Captaining the kids of the Romanian team was Palmerston North Mayor Jono Naylor, while the kids representing Georgia were captained by Manawatū Mayor Ian McKelvie. The Referee was local All Black Aaron Cruden and attending legends of the game included Nevan MacEwen and Sam Strahan.

The ‘Our People, Our Place’ Festival was a pan-regional organisational effort across hospitality, local government, business and other organisations to ensure a wealth of activities were on offer for tourists and visitors travelling for the 2011 Rugby World Cup.

Arena Manawatū’s gate security got a work-out when Georgia beat Romania in their Rugby World Cup clash in Palmerston North. Over 13,000 Rugby fans turned out to watch the match bedecked in either yellow for Romania or red for Georgia.

Palmerston North hosted two World Cup games during the tournament, following this match with hosting Argentina and Georgia on 2nd October 2011.

The ‘Our People, Our Place’ Festival was a pan-regional organisational effort across hospitality, local government, business and other organisations to ensure a wealth of activities were on offer for tourists and visitors travelling for the 2011 Rugby World Cup.

Honouring Manawatū Rugby supporter’s tradition of wearing buckets with cut-outs for the face, fans attending the Romania vs Georgia Rugby World Cup game were offered free themed versions for the game: Red for Georgia and yellow for Romania.

Palmerston North hosted two World Cup games during the tournament, following this match with hosting Argentina and Georgia on 2nd October 2011.

The ‘Our People, Our Place’ Festival was a pan-regional organisational effort across hospitality, local government, business and other organisations to ensure a wealth of activities were on offer for tourists and visitors travelling for the 2011 Rugby World Cup.

"Rugby World Cup fans were able to enjoy a wealth of events in Te Marae o Hine – the Square in the afternoon leading up to the game between Georgia and Romania. This Romanian supporter moves among the large crowd at the afternoons activities.

Other events on the day in Te Marae o Hine – The Square included children playing ‘Rippa’ Rugby at 7.30am, BackingBlack fan club events from noon until 6pm and live music from 3.30pm.

The ‘Our People, Our Place’ Festival was a pan-regional organisational effort across hospitality, local government, business and other organisations to ensure a wealth of activities were on offer for tourists and visitors travelling for the 2011 Rugby World Cup.
"

Rugby World Cup fans were able to enjoy a wealth of events in Te Marae o Hine – the Square in the afternoon leading up to the game between Georgia and Romania. These Welsh supporters grab a coca-cola during the afternoons entertainment.

Other events on the day in Te Marae o Hine – The Square included children playing ‘Rippa’ Rugby at 7.30am, BackingBlack fan club events from noon until 6pm and live music from 3.30pm.

The ‘Our People, Our Place’ Festival was a pan-regional organisational effort across hospitality, local government, business and other organisations to ensure a wealth of activities were on offer for tourists and visitors travelling for the 2011 Rugby World Cup.

Rugby World Cup fans were able to enjoy a wealth of events in Te Marae o Hine – the Square in the afternoon leading up to the game between Georgia and Romania. These fans are enjoying the music on offer in the afternoon next to the BackingBlack fan club inflatable H.Q.

Other events on the day in Te Marae o Hine – The Square included children playing ‘Rippa’ Rugby at 7.30am, BackingBlack fan club events from noon until 6pm and live music from 3.30pm.

The ‘Our People, Our Place’ Festival was a pan-regional organisational effort across hospitality, local government, business and other organisations to ensure a wealth of activities were on offer for tourists and visitors travelling for the 2011 Rugby World Cup.

Rugby World Cup fans were able to enjoy a wealth of events in Te Marae o Hine – the Square in the afternoon leading up to the game between Georgia and Romania. These supporters sport official Rugby World Cup 2011 supporters merchandise for Georgia.

Other events on the day in Te Marae o Hine – The Square included children playing ‘Rippa’ Rugby at 7.30am, BackingBlack fan club events from noon until 6pm and live music from 3.30pm.

The ‘Our People, Our Place’ Festival was a pan-regional organisational effort across hospitality, local government, business and other organisations to ensure a wealth of activities were on offer for tourists and visitors travelling for the 2011 Rugby World Cup.

Rugby World Cup fans were able to enjoy a wealth of events in Te Marae o Hine – the Square in the afternoon leading up to the game between Georgia and Romania. This Romanian supporter sports a Manawatū style bucket hat.

Other events on the day in Te Marae o Hine – The Square included children playing ‘Rippa’ Rugby at 7.30am, BackingBlack fan club events from noon until 6pm and live music from 3.30pm.

The ‘Our People, Our Place’ Festival was a pan-regional organisational effort across hospitality, local government, business and other organisations to ensure a wealth of activities were on offer for tourists and visitors travelling for the 2011 Rugby World Cup.

Rugby World Cup fans were able to enjoy a wealth of events in Te Marae o Hine – the Square in the afternoon leading up to the game between Georgia and Romania. Here, tee-shirts are thrown to the crowd of school children.

Other events on the day in Te Marae o Hine – The Square included children playing ‘Rippa’ Rugby at 7.30am, BackingBlack fan club events from noon until 6pm and live music from 3.30pm.

The ‘Our People, Our Place’ Festival was a pan-regional organisational effort across hospitality, local government, business and other organisations to ensure a wealth of activities were on offer for tourists and visitors travelling for the 2011 Rugby World Cup.

Rugby World Cup fans were able to enjoy a wealth of events in Te Marae o Hine – the Square in the afternoon leading up to the game between Georgia and Romania. These Romanian supporters sport Manawatū style bucket hats.

Other events on the day in Te Marae o Hine – The Square included children playing ‘Rippa’ Rugby at 7.30am, BackingBlack fan club events from noon until 6pm and live music from 3.30pm.

The ‘Our People, Our Place’ Festival was a pan-regional organisational effort across hospitality, local government, business and other organisations to ensure a wealth of activities were on offer for tourists and visitors travelling for the 2011 Rugby World Cup.

Rugby World Cup fans were able to enjoy a wealth of events in Te Marae o Hine – the Square in the afternoon leading up to the game between Georgia and Romania. Here, England supporters are either having a nice chat or getting a right royal ticking off.

Other events on the day in Te Marae o Hine – The Square included children playing ‘Rippa’ Rugby at 7.30am, BackingBlack fan club events from noon until 6pm and live music from 3.30pm.

The ‘Our People, Our Place’ Festival was a pan-regional organisational effort across hospitality, local government, business and other organisations to ensure a wealth of activities were on offer for tourists and visitors travelling for the 2011 Rugby World Cup.

Rugby World Cup fans were able to enjoy a wealth of events in Te Marae o Hine – the Square in the afternoon leading up to the game between Georgia and Romania, including live music from local Palmerston North band The Nerines: Drew Delany (vocals, guitar), Benny Tipene (guitar, vocals), Fabian O’Halloran (bass, vocals), and Tadhg Delany (drums, vocals).

Other events on the day in Te Marae o Hine – The Square included children playing ‘Rippa’ Rugby at 7.30am, BackingBlack fan club events from noon until 6pm and live music from 3.30pm.

The ‘Our People, Our Place’ Festival was a pan-regional organisational effort across hospitality, local government, business and other organisations to ensure a wealth of activities were on offer for tourists and visitors travelling for the 2011 Rugby World Cup.

Clowns in the crowd - Rugby World Cup fans were able to enjoy a wealth of events in Te Marae o Hine – the Square in the afternoon leading up to the game between Georgia and Romania.

Other events on the day in Te Marae o Hine – The Square included children playing ‘Rippa’ Rugby at 7.30am, BackingBlack fan club events from noon until 6pm and live music from 3.30pm.

The ‘Our People, Our Place’ Festival was a pan-regional organisational effort across hospitality, local government, business and other organisations to ensure a wealth of activities were on offer for tourists and visitors travelling for the 2011 Rugby World Cup.

Honouring Manawatū Rugby supporter’s tradition of wearing buckets with cut-outs for the face, fans attending the Romania vs Georgia Rugby World Cup game were offered free themed versions for the game: Red for Georgia and yellow for Romania.

Rugby World Cup fans were able to enjoy a wealth of events in Te Marae o Hine – the Square in the afternoon leading up to the game between Georgia and Romania, including Telecom BackingBlack fan club events from noon until 6pm and live music from 3.30pm.

The ‘Our People, Our Place’ Festival was a pan-regional organisational effort across hospitality, local government, business and other organisations to ensure a wealth of activities were on offer for tourists and visitors travelling for the 2011 Rugby World Cup.

Rugby World Cup fans were able to enjoy a wealth of events in Te Marae o Hine – the Square in the afternoon leading up to the game between Georgia and Romania, including the Telecom BackingBlack Roadshow inflatable rugby games.

Other events on the day in Te Marae o Hine – The Square included children playing ‘Rippa’ Rugby at 7.30am and live music from 3.30pm.

The ‘Our People, Our Place’ Festival was a pan-regional organisational effort across hospitality, local government, business and other organisations to ensure a wealth of activities were on offer for tourists and visitors travelling for the 2011 Rugby World Cup.

Rugby World Cup fans were able to enjoy a wealth of events in Te Marae o Hine – the Square in the afternoon leading up to the game between Georgia and Romania, including the Telecom BackingBlack Roadshow inflatable rugby games.

Other events on the day in Te Marae o Hine – The Square included children playing ‘Rippa’ Rugby at 7.30am and live music from 3.30pm.

The ‘Our People, Our Place’ Festival was a pan-regional organisational effort across hospitality, local government, business and other organisations to ensure a wealth of activities were on offer for tourists and visitors travelling for the 2011 Rugby World Cup.

ZM Radio crew - Rugby World Cup fans were able to enjoy a wealth of events in Te Marae o Hine – the Square in the afternoon leading up to the game between Georgia and Romania, including live music from local Palmerston North band The Nerines: Drew Delany (vocals, guitar), Benny Tipene (guitar, vocals), Fabian O’Halloran (bass, vocals), and Tadhg Delany (drums, vocals).

Other events on the day in Te Marae o Hine – The Square included children playing ‘Rippa’ Rugby at 7.30am, BackingBlack fan club events from noon until 6pm and live music from 3.30pm.

The ‘Our People, Our Place’ Festival was a pan-regional organisational effort across hospitality, local government, business and other organisations to ensure a wealth of activities were on offer for tourists and visitors travelling for the 2011 Rugby World Cup.

Rugby World Cup fans were able to enjoy a wealth of events in Te Marae o Hine – the Square in the afternoon leading up to the game between Georgia and Romania, including a set from this band, believed to be Palmerston North Boys High School band 'Cryptic'.

Other events on the day in Te Marae o Hine – The Square included children playing ‘Rippa’ Rugby at 7.30am, BackingBlack fan club events from noon until 6pm and live music from the Nerines and Tom from 3.30pm.

The ‘Our People, Our Place’ Festival was a pan-regional organisational effort across hospitality, local government, business and other organisations to ensure a wealth of activities were on offer for tourists and visitors travelling for the 2011 Rugby World Cup.

Face Painting supporter flags - Rugby World Cup fans were able to enjoy a wealth of events in Te Marae o Hine – the Square in the afternoon leading up to the game between Georgia and Romania, including children playing ‘Rippa’ Rugby at 7.30am, BackingBlack fan club events from noon until 6pm and live music from the Nerines and Tom from 3.30pm.

The ‘Our People, Our Place’ Festival was a pan-regional organisational effort across hospitality, local government, business and other organisations to ensure a wealth of activities were on offer for tourists and visitors travelling for the 2011 Rugby World Cup.

Face Painting supporter flags - Rugby World Cup fans were able to enjoy a wealth of events in Te Marae o Hine – the Square in the afternoon leading up to the game between Georgia and Romania, including children playing ‘Rippa’ Rugby at 7.30am, BackingBlack fan club events from noon until 6pm and live music from the Nerines and Tom from 3.30pm.

The ‘Our People, Our Place’ Festival was a pan-regional organisational effort across hospitality, local government, business and other organisations to ensure a wealth of activities were on offer for tourists and visitors travelling for the 2011 Rugby World Cup.

Face Painting supporter flags - Rugby World Cup fans were able to enjoy a wealth of events in Te Marae o Hine – the Square in the afternoon leading up to the game between Georgia and Romania, including children playing ‘Rippa’ Rugby at 7.30am, BackingBlack fan club events from noon until 6pm and live music from the Nerines and Tom from 3.30pm.

The ‘Our People, Our Place’ Festival was a pan-regional organisational effort across hospitality, local government, business and other organisations to ensure a wealth of activities were on offer for tourists and visitors travelling for the 2011 Rugby World Cup.

Te Marae o Hine Event Quadrant - Rugby World Cup fans were able to enjoy a wealth of events in Te Marae o Hine – the Square in the afternoon leading up to the game between Georgia and Romania, including children playing ‘Rippa’ Rugby at 7.30am, the Telecom BackingBlack inflatable Rugby Games and live music from 3.30pm.

The ‘Our People, Our Place’ Festival was a pan-regional organisational effort across hospitality, local government, business and other organisations to ensure a wealth of activities were on offer for tourists and visitors travelling for the 2011 Rugby World Cup.

Te Marae o Hine Event Quadrant - Rugby World Cup fans were able to enjoy a wealth of events in Te Marae o Hine – the Square in the afternoon leading up to the game between Georgia and Romania, including children playing ‘Rippa’ Rugby at 7.30am, the Telecom BackingBlack inflatable Rugby Games and live music from 3.30pm.

The ‘Our People, Our Place’ Festival was a pan-regional organisational effort across hospitality, local government, business and other organisations to ensure a wealth of activities were on offer for tourists and visitors travelling for the 2011 Rugby World Cup.

Te Marae o Hine Event Quadrant - Rugby World Cup fans were able to enjoy a wealth of events in Te Marae o Hine – the Square in the afternoon leading up to the game between Georgia and Romania, including children playing ‘Rippa’ Rugby at 7.30am, the Telecom BackingBlack inflatable Rugby Games and live music from 3.30pm.

The ‘Our People, Our Place’ Festival was a pan-regional organisational effort across hospitality, local government, business and other organisations to ensure a wealth of activities were on offer for tourists and visitors travelling for the 2011 Rugby World Cup.

Te Marae o Hine Event Quadrant - Rugby World Cup fans were able to enjoy a wealth of events in Te Marae o Hine – the Square in the afternoon leading up to the game between Georgia and Romania, including children playing ‘Rippa’ Rugby at 7.30am, the Telecom BackingBlack inflatable Rugby Games and live music from 3.30pm.

The ‘Our People, Our Place’ Festival was a pan-regional organisational effort across hospitality, local government, business and other organisations to ensure a wealth of activities were on offer for tourists and visitors travelling for the 2011 Rugby World Cup.

Te Marae o Hine Event Quadrant - Rugby World Cup fans were able to enjoy a wealth of events in Te Marae o Hine – the Square in the afternoon leading up to the game between Georgia and Romania, including children playing ‘Rippa’ Rugby at 7.30am, the Telecom BackingBlack inflatable Rugby Games and live music from 3.30pm.

The ‘Our People, Our Place’ Festival was a pan-regional organisational effort across hospitality, local government, business and other organisations to ensure a wealth of activities were on offer for tourists and visitors travelling for the 2011 Rugby World Cup.

An 800 strong Boys High School Haka opening the afternoon's events - Rugby World Cup fans were able to enjoy a wealth of events in Te Marae o Hine – the Square in the afternoon leading up to the game between Georgia and Romania, including children playing ‘Rippa’ Rugby at 7.30am, the Telecom BackingBlack inflatable Rugby Games and live music from 3.30pm.

The ‘Our People, Our Place’ Festival was a pan-regional organisational effort across hospitality, local government, business and other organisations to ensure a wealth of activities were on offer for tourists and visitors travelling for the 2011 Rugby World Cup.

An 800 strong Boys High School Haka opening the afternoon's events - Rugby World Cup fans were able to enjoy a wealth of events in Te Marae o Hine – the Square in the afternoon leading up to the game between Georgia and Romania, including children playing ‘Rippa’ Rugby at 7.30am, the Telecom BackingBlack inflatable Rugby Games and live music from 3.30pm.

The ‘Our People, Our Place’ Festival was a pan-regional organisational effort across hospitality, local government, business and other organisations to ensure a wealth of activities were on offer for tourists and visitors travelling for the 2011 Rugby World Cup.

An 800 strong Boys High School Haka opening the afternoon's events - Rugby World Cup fans were able to enjoy a wealth of events in Te Marae o Hine – the Square in the afternoon leading up to the game between Georgia and Romania, including children playing ‘Rippa’ Rugby at 7.30am, the Telecom BackingBlack inflatable Rugby Games and live music from 3.30pm.

The ‘Our People, Our Place’ Festival was a pan-regional organisational effort across hospitality, local government, business and other organisations to ensure a wealth of activities were on offer for tourists and visitors travelling for the 2011 Rugby World Cup.