Wellington's rugby mascot, Leo the Lion, will be forced to roar from Eden Park's stands at the NPC final tomorrow because Auckland's Seagull was winged last weekend in a scuffle between rival mascots.
The Auckland Rugby Union has refused to let Leo prowl the sidelines because a scuffle brokeout between the Seagull and North Harbour's Harbour Master mascot at last Saturday's semifinal.
ARU chief executive Geoff Hipkins said the Seagull's feathers were well and truly ruffled and he had hobbled off to hospital with an injured knee.
Leo could lead the Wellington Lions onto Eden Park but, for his own protection, would "have to take a seat like everyone else."
"We have to be concerned there is a safety aspect and we can't put people at risk," said Mr Hipkins. "We bowed to extreme pressure to let the Harbour Master run around and damage was done [after] an altercation."
The man inside Leo, Nathan Lewer, said Auckland's ban was a cynical and desperate attempt to neutralise fervent support for the Lions, who had won their last four matches.
"They've identified me as part of the Lions' game plan and are keen to shut me down."
Being able to lead supporters at the final was the height of achievement for any mascot and Leo was eager to sink his teeth into some "soft Auckland underbelly," said Mr Lewer.
Auckland's Seagull said he was still recovering from his roughup at the hands of the Harbour Master and would probably not be cheering on the home team tomorrow.
Harbour Master said he sympathised with the ARU but the Seagull should harden up.
"I didn't mean to ruffle any feathers, that's for sure, but then at NPC level you need to be an athlete and be able to take the knocks. The Seagull is just not up there."
