Gold coin entry for Magpies game

Magpie Shannan Chase is supported by Tony Lamborn in last year's ITM Cup match against North Harbour.

The Hawke's Bay Magpies rugby team's 2016 campaign looms and with that brings the excitement of fans seeing their favourite players pulling on a black and white hooped jersey.

Yesterday the Hawke's Bay Rugby Union in conjunction with Tremain Real Estate announced the pre-season match against North Harbour on Thursday, August 11 at Tremain Field, Park Island will be entry via a gold coin donation.

The kickoff time of 3pm will provide a fantastic opportunity for parents to collect kids from school and head down to the match.

"We are delighted Tremain Real Estate have partnered with us in sponsoring this fantastic initiative which allows us the ability to make a Magpies game accessible for everyone to attend. It will be a unique event where fans will have the opportunity to be closer to the action and players than ever, it is the perfect way to lead into the 2016 Mitre 10 Cup season," union CEO Mike Bishop said.

Managing Director of Tremain Real Estate, Simon Tremain, said he is pleased to be able to help make the game available for families and all members of the public to enjoy.

"Both the local community and Hawke's Bay rugby are an integral part of Tremains and our history and it's important to us to offer our support where we can.

"I jumped at the opportunity to sponsor a game played on the Tremain field, named after my late father Kel Tremain, and think it's a great opportunity for families to enjoy a Magpies game without it being too costly."

The money raised from the gold coin entry will be donated to the New Zealand Rugby Foundation which supports seriously injured rugby players including considerable Hawke's Bay players affected over the years.

The first 1000 kids to the match will be given a specially designed poster which will be able to be signed by players after the match.