Rugby World Cup: Hugs for Australians in Nelson

Wallabies halfback Will Genia gets a warm welcome to Nelson Airport on Wednesday night from Nelson mayor Aldo Miccio on 'Hug an Aussie Day'. Photo / APN

The Wallabies must have wondered what hit them.

Used to making bone-crunching tackles on this trip to New Zealand, they arrived at Nelson last night only for the city's mayor to greet them with a hug.

Mayor Aldo Miccio declared Wednesday "Hug an Aussie Day'' in Nelson, to celebrate the arrival of the Australian rugby team to the city for their pool C clash with Russia this Saturday, and to show visitors from across the ditch that kiwis really do love them.

Mr Miccio managed to hug four Wallabies as they arrived into Nelson Airport, and it certainly made them feel welcome, says Australia captain James Horwill. "We do appreciate the hugging; everyone likes a hug every now and then,'' he said.

Mr Miccio says the concept of Hug an Aussie Day came on the back of a media backlash from the Australia versus Ireland Rugby World Cup game, where a "minority'' group went across the line in their counter supporting.

"I guess it was an attempt to show that 99.9 per cent of kiwis love Australians, we love the rivalry and we love not supporting them. But we don't go too far, and we want them to feel welcome.''

It was also part of his goal for Nelson to be the best host city during the Rugby World Cup.

Mr Miccio said another motivating factor was that his Australian mother in-law would not be impressed if the Wallabies got a bad reception in his home town. His wife Kim Miccio is also Australian and two of his three children were born across the Tasman.

Although the Australian skipper was appreciative of the hugging, he says the public reception has been "nothing but supportive'' during their stay in New Zealand. "I can't speak highly of enough of the public that we've run into around the traps. Obviously the media have seen it differently, but for me personally, I think everyone has been really good.''

Other Australians spoken to in Nelson yesterday said they hadn't had too many people coming up to hug them, but had enjoyed the reception they received.

"Everyone's been great and friendly but no hugs, that's probably a good thing though,'' said Australian tourist Bill Watts.

Upwards of 6000 Wallaby fans are expected in Nelson for their final pool game of the tournament.