It wasn’t until 1923 that East Coast, as they were called then, played their inaugural first-class game. The one-point loss to Poverty Bay, in a match played at Tokomaru Bay, was the start of a rivalry between the unions that has continued to this day. As well as pride, the Skip Paenga Memorial Trophy and PJ Sayers Cup are at stake in games between them.
Hare said it had taken a long time to compile all the information and he was excited for his project to be shown to the world.
He had already received interest from as far away as Japan and South Africa, from people with no affiliation to the East Coast.
“I researched how much it would cost to ship, and they’re still keen, so I’m sending them one.”
Hare, who is based in Wellington, has covered Heartland rugby for over two decades and helps several of the unions, including NPEC, with their websites.
“I shout from the rooftops: ‘No grassroots, no All Blacks’,” he said.
His book also includes several QR codes that readers can use as portals to the NPEC website to get the most up-to-date information on the history still waiting to be written.
Only 1197 copies will be produced to symbolise and remember the 1197 NPEC players from 1923 through 2020.
The first print run of 350 copies has been selling briskly, and only 50 copies are still available. They will be available for purchase at the Coast’s game against Poverty Bay on Saturday, or online after the match.
Hare said that people with an affiliation to Coast rugby could ask to have the book dedicated to them and their whanau.
He said it was possible to include personalised dedications, special messages and logos in the opening pages of the book.
