The Irish and Georgian Rugby Teams are officially the adopted sons of the Queenstown Lakes District with today marking the Georgian Civic Welcome to New Zealand.

The Irish team was officially welcomed at Skyline Gondola on Sunday with the Georgians arriving to a rousing Queenstown Airport welcome yesterday.

The Georgian team was visibly impressed by today’s traditional Maori welcome at Skyline led by Ngai Tahu kaumatua Sir Tipene O'Regan – the team relishing the opportunity later to pose with members of the kapa haka group. 

Both the Irish and Georgian teams were presented by QLDC Mayor Vanessa van Uden with a special piece of Pounamu to remember the visit by.

The ceremonies were attended by members of the Queenstown Lakes District community, who entered a ballot to get up close and personal with the players.

“It’s been a real honour to host these teams and the ceremonies have been incredibly special,’ Mayor van Uden said.

IRB chairman Syd Miller, who represented Ireland from 1958 to 1970, was a special guest of honour at both ceremonies, handing out the caps to the players.

In a magical moment today a member of the Georgian team took to the stage to serenade “the ladies” with a remarkable version of O Sole Mio, which brought the house down.

Another piece of RWC magic unfolded as the Georgian players left the gondola terminal. Members of the team were greeted by Queenstown Preschool children waving Georgian flags and treated to an impromptu song. Players were delighted, passing over their coveted RWC caps for the children to wear.

Ireland leaves Queenstown on Thursday, with Georgia training in the resort until Sunday. The Romanian and English teams, who have already received their official welcomes, arrive on Sunday to commence training.

 

By: Jo Blick