All the information you need to know about the progress of Massey University RFC's proposed rugby tour of 2009!

A decision will be made Friday 1st of May so please hand in form to JW, Dave Faulkner, or James Oakes by then! 

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

How the idea came about?

Geoff Thompson came with the idea of taking the team to the UK. This was discussed at one of our recent committee meetings. It was agreed that, if there was a positive response from the players, then it is worth looking at.

Where will we go?

There are a number of options that have been discussed and we are open to any ideas. However the two which have gathered the most momentum are the UK or South America which would likely be Argentina but could include Chile.

When will we go?

The plan is to go next year. The dates available to us would be most likely at the end of exams in the middle of November or before the year starts being early February. I have spoken with two tour companies. The one in the UK believes we should tour in November. This is because in February teams would be more focused on their domestic competition and may not want to play us. The Argentinean Company recommends touring in February.

How long will we go for?

The early suggestion would be for three weeks.

How many games will we play?

Up to us but I think a reasonable number would be four.

What will be the standard of rugby like?

For Argentina, I do not know. However, I have provided information about the club to an Argentinean tour operator and they have assured me that it will be if a strong competitive nature. For the UK, this will be a good standard. We played Loughborough University two years ago so this would be the standard we would expect to play.

How many tour places are available?

An early estimate would be 30. I think that we would require two coaches and tour manager so probably a playing squad of 27. This number is not finalised.

Can anybody go?

We obviously want to take a strong side and win all our games. However, the tour is open to anybody. This should give an incentive to players to strive and work hard at their rugby as if we where flooded with applications, we may have to pick the strongest side. It is important for players in sides such as the Colts for example to give us an early indication if they want to come. We will also probably have to limit the amount of players for each position. For example we do not want 10 loose forwards and only two props. There is also an issue with cost so this could limit the amount of people we take.

When will a decision be made on the tour?

As soon as possible, a decision will be made within a week.

Itinerary

Both of these tours are just examples of what could be arranged for us by companies. Below are actual examples of itineraries that companies have quoted us.

Tour to Argentina

Buenos Aires - Mar del Plata - Rosario

1) Round trip airfare * Not included in this estimate-
2) Accommodation 18 Nights, 4 star hotels, with daily breakfast, 3 to 4 players per room. (7 days Buenos Aires - 6 days Mar del Plata - 5 days Rosario)
3) Internal Transfers, Bus: BA - Mar del Plata - Rosario - BA
4) Ground transportation during the whole tour.
5) Four rugby games (2 in BA-1 Mdq -1 Rosario)
6) One dinner for the whole team.
7) Training facilities if requested at any time during the tour.
8) One Bilingual Coordinator during the whole tour, even during the night when the team goes out.
9) Medical Assistance in every game.
10) One city tour on each location (total :4), for the whole team (3 hours sightseeing tour)
11) Extra excursions are available upon request:

1-Soccer game Boca Juniors stadium (this is a must in Argentina)
2 -Ranch Day: Here you will experience the typical Argentinean BBQ, Horseback riding and the country music from Argentina. (Cultural experience)
3-Tigre Port: River boat tour and the biggest flea market of Argentina.

COST: $1765.70 or $98.00 per day.

Tour to the UK

November 2009

Day Start Overnight Itinerary

1 Auckland Flight Flights to UK
2 Flight London Airport transfer to hotel
3 London London Siteseeing, London Eye, Thames cruise
4 London London Training
5 London London Twickenham tour
6 London Cardiff Bus transfer
7 Cardiff Cardiff Training
8 Cardiff Cardiff Match v Cardiff University
9 Cardiff Cardiff Day trip to Bath
10 Cardiff Manchester Transfer by Bus
11 Manchester Manchester Training
12 Manchester Manchester Match v Sedgley Park
13 Manchester Manchester Day trip to Liverpool
14 Manchester Edinburgh Transfer by Bus
15 Edinburgh Edinburgh Training and Murrayfield stadium tour
16 Edinburgh Edinburgh Match v Edinburgh Academicals
17 Edinburgh Edinburgh Edinburgh Castle
18 Edinburgh L,brgh Transfer by Bus
19 Loughborough, Loughborough Match v Loughborough University
20 Loughborough Heathrow Transfer and flights home
21 Heathrow Auckland Flight home

Itinerary includes following.
• Coach and driver for entire tour. Coach is fully air conditioning with

DVD/Video and WC.
• Manager on hand to meet and greet at airport and on hand throughout the tour
• 4 Nights in London, Cardiff, Manchester and Edinburgh hostel multi bedded en-suite rooms on a b&b basis.
• 2 nights in Loughborough hotel twin/triple share on a b&b basis.
• 5 training sessions at local clubs
• 4 match fixtures against suitable opposition
• Itinerary planning service.
• After match functions

Approximate cost: $2475.00 or $117.85 per day.

How much do things cost in these countries?

Currency in Argentina: Peso 2.14 = $1.00
Currency in UK: Pound 0.40 = $1.00

 
What are the flight prices

I have received two very early estimates. These prices are subject to change.

Thai Airways to London Heathrow return Palmerston North - Auckland- Bangkok - London Heathrow - Bangkok - Auckland - Palmerston North

Thai Airways Return: NZD $2005.00 per person plus taxes and fuel surcharges

South America

Auckland - Buenos Aires/Santiago - Auckland

Aerolineas Argentinas Return: NZD $2099.00 per person plus taxes and fuel surcharges.

There would also be connection from Palmerston North which has not been priced for.

What about insurance?

The club will arrange insurance and this will be added to the costs. I have yet to approach companies about the cost of this

So how much will it cost in total?

We do not have and will not have an exact figure for some time but based on the information that I have been provided I have estimated the costs as follows for each tour.
UK: Between $4,500 and $5,000 per head.
Tour party of 30 price range $135,000 and $150,000.

Argentina Between $3,900 and $4,300 per head
Tour party of 30 price range $115,950 and $129,000

Obviously, how much comes out of your pocket depends on how much we can raise in funds.

So, there is enough interest, what now?

We need to move quickly, especially if we decide to go to Argentina as this is only 10 months away. Can we raise enough money in that time? It will be difficult. We would need to raise approximately $10,000 a month. First we need to establish a committee for planning and fundraising. This committee would meet on a monthly basis to monitor the progress and plan future events.

What fundraising activities can we do?

Up to you but the more ideas we get the better chance we have of selecting good and profitable ideas.

Do we need to pay any money upfront?

The likelihood is yes but at this moment we do not know. We also do not know how much.

Conclusion

To make this dream a reality it will take a lot of work and dedication. Not just from one or two people, but an entire team. One of the wonderful things about this great game is the opportunities it gives you to travel to different countries, experience different cultures and to share a common bond which is shared from rugby players across the globe. It would be a once in a lifetime opportunity that you will remember for the rest of your lives. It also helps young people develop great life and social skills and takes you out of your comfort zone.

On the playing side, it would benefit your own game greatly as to challenge sides from different countries. They will pose different strengths and will play the game different to what you are used to. You will not only be representing this great club, but you will be representing our country, being ambassadors to New Zealand and to Massey University, how you perform both on and off the field will reflect on not just you individually but on our club and country. I know as I brought up in the UK how revered and respect New Zealand is looked upon regarding rugby. You have an opportunity to leave your own mark as to how feared and respected New Zealanders are.

Do not let this chance pass you by as it may never happen again.

RegardS

David Faulkner
Chairman
Massey Rugby Club

 

 

 

APPLICATION FOR 2009 TOUR

Please return to either John Whitehead or David Faulkner by 1st May 2008

Name:_______________________________

Team:_______________________________

Position:_____________________________

Tick box for preferred destination:

Argentina

UK

Other

If other please state where:___________________

Date:_________________

Sign:_________________