Grant helps Whanganui Collegiate School install rugby bunkers to combat challenging weather

At the presentation of the bunkers are (from left) Collegiate director of rugby Tafai Ioasa, Rugby Supporters Club secretary Sarah Gibbs, Collegiate 1st XV captain Johnathan Solomona, NZCT regional adviser Danny Jonas and Rugby Supporters Club chairman Blair Ross.

Rugby teams playing at Whanganui Collegiate School will benefit from the installation of two player bunkers.

The bunkers, situated on the sideline of the school’s No 1 field, took a year to finalise and install but have already paid dividends for players.

NZ Community Trust (NZCT), one of New Zealand’s largest gaming trusts, contributed $12,000 in grant funds towards the two bunkers, which cost $18,500.

The remaining $6500 was covered by the Whanganui Collegiate School Rugby Supporters Club, which consists of parents and supporters of the school’s rugby programme.

The bunkers were made by Daytech Sports Equipment in Masterton.

Collegiate director of rugby Tafai Ioasa said it was important to install the bunkers to combat the unpredictable Whanganui weather.

“When it rains, and even when it’s warm, the kids have got something to shelter under, especially visiting teams,” Ioasa said.

The bunkers were put to good use during Collegiate’s interchange with Lindisfarne College in June, when horizontal rain swept across the field.

They provided much-needed shelter, keeping players and team management warm and dry throughout the day.

Ioasa said the school and the rugby programme appreciated NZCT’s support.

“We’re always grateful when community organisations like NZCT and the supporters club help us out.”

NZCT’s member outlets in Whanganui are Caroline’s Boatshed, Castlecliff Hotel, Shotz Bar and Stellar Bar.