Greg and Stacey Margerison have won a seven-day trip to London during the Rugby World Cup next month. Photo / Paul Taylor
Greg and Stacey Margerison have won a seven-day trip to London during the Rugby World Cup next month. Photo / Paul Taylor
When it comes to prizes, a seat at this year's Rugby World Cup is streaks ahead of a frozen chicken.
Taradale builder Greg Margerison said that before he won the rugby trip of a lifetime this week, the only other prize he had scooped was a frozen chook at alocal gala.
Now he has a seven-day travel experience in the United Kingdom to look forward to, simply for using his MasterCard PayPass at Napier Pak'n Save.
The winner was randomly drawn from shoppers who used the new, contactless payment method at participating Pak'n Save stores in June and July.
"I'm a total rugby fan - I love watching them play, so to be able to watch them in Rugby World Cup 2015 at Millennium Stadium in Cardiff ... what a thrill," he said.
A lot of friends were offering to perform the role of bag carrier during his trip, but he'd decided to take his partner Stacey with him instead.
"I've had tonnes of bribes, but haven't accepted any - I think that might be hazardous to my health."
In addition to the return flights to London, the $25,000 prize includes six nights' accommodation for two people at a four-star hotel, as well as meals and city tours, and two tickets to the quarter-final match at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff on October 17.
If the All Blacks beat the likes of Argentina in their initial pool games, there's a chance the couple will see the men in black take on France or Ireland.
They'll also be able to enjoy the Captain's Run experience at the stadium, which gives them special access to the players' changing rooms, and an opportunity to walk out of the players' tunnel and on to the pitch to watch a pre-match training.