Ponsonby to host Samoa and Tonga for RWC 2011 **UPDATED**
21/04/2010
Ponsonby Rugby are excited to announce that Western Springs Stadium will host Tonga and Samoa during the pool phase of the 2011 Rugby World Cup Tournament. The Clubs facilities will be upgraded to provide a world-class experience for the players.
The upgrade includes re-laying the sports field, lighting and an expansion of the Social Facilities in the Clubrooms as well as new and upgraded changing rooms. The Auckland City Council recently made a decision to go ahead with a major expansion of the current clubrooms subject to approval of funding, which is a significant boost to Ponsonby Rugby's facilities.
Ponsonby Rugby is one of the largest clubs in the country with 51 teams in both Senior and Junior Clubs.
President, Bryan Williams, says the upgrades will provide more community access to high quality recreational facilities. "This will encourage participation and involvement in the sport and build on the history and status associated with Ponsonby Rugby and our communities."
As part of their commitment to the tournament, visiting teams will stage open access training sessions, giving the local community and school children a chance to experience the hype of the tournament. People will be able to watch the teams train, and have their photos taken with their favourite players, get autographs, and support the teams as part of an adopt-a-second-team programme.
The approved $3.74 million upgrade was one of three options considered by the committee. This option delivers the best value for money in terms of current and future maintenance, achievability within RWC 2011 timescales, future proofing, and the largest potential for public utilisation.
Watch this space for more RWC and Club Redevlopment news