Special haircuts ahead of big game

Steelform Wanganui players Samu Kubunavanua, left, and Michael Nabuliwaqa get a spruce up from Ian Filo from Under Ground City. PHOTO/STUART MUNRO

When Wanganui rugby players Samu Kubunavanua and Michael Nabuliwaqa wanted to get their hair cut ahead of Saturday's Meads Cup final, they didn't choose just any hairdresser.

They went to Ian Filo from Under Ground City, who is an enthusiastic supporter of Steelform Wanganui. The team takes on Buller in the final at Cooks Gardens at 4.30pm.

"I'm a really big fan," Mr Filo said.

"I'll definitely be at the game - I like to see my haircuts in action."

Mr Filo went above and beyond the call of duty last year, as Wanganui travelled to Timaru to take on South Canterbury in the final. Too booked up to fit the players into his regular schedule, Mr Filo opened his shop at 7am to cut their hair before that had to get on the bus to head south.

"It makes it easier that they are playing in Whanganui this time - and that they booked in advance," Mr Filo said.

Mr Kubunavanua, a reserve back, and Mr Nabuliwaqa, a winger, are regulars at Under Ground City, and said Mr Filo does a good job.

Both men were having their hair trimmed; and Mr Kubunavanua was also having his beard shaved off.

"The other guys in the team wanted me to to shave it off," he said.

Both said they were looking forward to the match.

"It's going to be a tough game," Mr Nabuliwaqa said.

+Steelform Wanganui versus Buller, 4.30pm, October 29, at Cooks Gardens.