Southland
Pack the Park photos by Photo: Richard Dimmock Photography and Vanessa Adcock Photography.
A Blair Vining Invitational 15 won against an ITM invitational team in Invercargill this afternoon, scoring 52 points to ITM’s 17.
The local community gathered to watch and honour the man behind it, Blair Vining, a year on from his death.
A Blair Vining Invitational 15 won against an ITM invitational team in Invercargill this afternoon, scoring 52 points to ITM’s 17.
Some of rugby’s biggest names got the call up to attend the game, with former All Blacks coach Sir Graham Henry appointed as coach.
“It’s a very serious event as far as the rugby is concerned,” Sir Graham said. “I think they just need to make sure they walk off the field in good condition.”
Close to 7000 were in attendance and already $1.7 million has been raised for the Southland Charity Hospital.
“We’ve had a huge number of tradespeople put their hand up to come and help us with the rebuild,” Melissa Vining says. “Demolition is set to commence in November. I’m looking forward to getting a sledgehammer in my hands and helping the guys out.”
