Riots barely ruffle Misfits

The Manaia Misfits Golden Oldies before they left for the Golden Oldies Rugby World Cup. Photo / Manaia Misfits

The Manaia Golden Oldies have seen more street life than they bargained for in Argentina after a protest got out of hand, resulting in one man being fatally shot outside the Whangarei veteran rugby team's motel.

Team member Angela Cosson said three of the 30-strong Manaia Misfits were "right amongst it" as the protest outside their motel in Mar del Plata turned ugly two nights ago "but [they were] only taking photos".

Other team members had not even been aware of the incident which resulted in fires in the street, the shooting, and the police not taking much notice because they were busy trying to protect the nosy Misfits, according to the Advocate's source.

Jokes aside, team members are concerned people back in Whangarei will have read "grossly exaggerated" reports of the incident which has been blown out of proportion by the media, the source said.

On the team's Manaia Misfits Golden Oldies 2014 Argentina Tour Facebook page team member Janet Hill said: "Do not panic! Everything is fine. We are perfectly safe! There was an incident, but it appears to have been blown out of proportion. We are all well and good. There is a tremendous police presence for all of our competitors. Thank you for your concern!"

Meanwhile, the rowdy bunch of rugby diehards have been experiencing a little of what it is to be treated like sporting royalty. They shared their flight to the Golden Oldies World Cup with the All Blacks, who were also on their way to Argentina.

The Misfits have also been made much of in the media because of the number of women in the team.

"Let's just say we know how the All Blacks feel," Ms Cosson wrote on the team's Facebook page of the media attention.

"I'm telling you, our sideline is full of spectators and paparazzi when we are on ... we are famous in Mar del Plata."