Melanya Burrows
Senior Communications Advisor – Major Events
Chance for more local Auckland rugby league clubs to get involved
Auckland rugby league clubs will get the chance to host NRL teams in early 2017, with a revamped Downer NRL Auckland Nines club programme offering more clubs, Aucklanders and visitors a chance to rub shoulders with the stars of the NRL.
The club programme is evolving after feedback from local clubs. In 2014 and 2016, 16 of Auckland’s rugby league clubs were selected to each host players from one NRL team.
In 2017, clubs can nominate themselves or neighbouring clubs to be a local hosting hub, welcoming players from two to three NRL teams one evening in the week leading up to the Nines.
Six clubs from across Auckland – one each in the north, central, east and west, and two in the south – will be selected to host one of the six public events.
The host clubs will be required to involve neighbouring clubs in the events. The local clubs can work together to host the NRL stars for signing sessions, skills and drills, and registration drives.
Auckland Tourism Events and Economic Development (ATEED) runs the club programme in partnership with the NRL, NZ Rugby League and Duco Events.
ATEED Chief Executive Brett O’Riley says changes to the club programme will allow more rugby league fans and players to get up close to their league heroes.
“Auckland clubs asked how more of them could be involved in the club programme 2017, so we reconfigured the programme to give all clubs that want to be involved the opportunity to work together.
“With two or three NRL teams visiting each hosting hub, the events can be longer, with more NRL players connecting with more people who are the heart and soul of the game. Nearly 9,000 people attended the club visits in 2016, and Auckland-based clubs signed up more than 600 new members.
“The new format will allow for increased memberships across the board – if one club is full, then the neighbouring club will be on-site and can take the registrations.”
NZRL Counties Manukau Zone General Manager Kasey King says it is exciting that the club programme is returning.
“This opportunity not only gives rugby league people, but anyone interested in sport, the chance to see some of the world’s best players and officials in their own backyard. For many people, this will serve a life-long memory. This is truly rugby league’s contribution to helping build stronger communities, and it’s just one part of what makes the Downer NRL Auckland Nines such a great event.
The visits to Auckland-based rugby league clubs will take place in in late-afternoon or early evening time-slots.
Clubs must apply to host an event, detailing a proposed programme for the visit, how they will involve the local community and neighbouring clubs, and how they will staff the visit (including volunteers), as well as providing a detailed site map.
The applications will be assessed by an evaluation committee made up of representatives from Auckland Rugby League, Counties Manukau and Akarana Zones, and Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development (ATEED).
Application forms and criteria will be sent directly to all Auckland-based rugby league clubs. Applications are due by 21 October, and successful clubs will be notified by 28 October and will be required to attend a briefing session in November.
The 2017 Downer NRL Auckland Nines takes place on Saturday, 4 and Sunday, 5 February. This is the only rugby league event where fans can see all 16 NRL clubs over one weekend, featuring more than 288 star players in 31 action-packed games.
For more information about the tournament, go to http://nrlaucklandnines.com/