Offering Lions Fans authentic and affordable accommodation has raised $11,700 for grassroots rugby clubs

Whangarei, New Zealand - June 26th, 2017 - Travelling Lions fans have been on the receiving end of some awesome Kiwi hospitality at rugby clubs and rugby club members homes across New Zealand, and it has raised the clubs $11,700 to date.

The club fundraising initiatives created by the International Rugby Club include ‘Club Park’n Stay’, where fans can park their campervans in at host rugby clubs carparks; and ‘Stay with Locals’, where fans can be billeted with rugby club families. Both initiatives have had an overwhelming response across New Zealand with 44 rugby clubs involved and benefitting from the funds raised.

Not only are Lions fans getting an authentic and affordable place to rest their weary heads, but some are getting money-can’t-buy experiences from generous rugby club hosts. Sandra Ioane, the mother of Rieko and Akira, and also the Club Secretary at Ponsonby Rugby Club, had the opportunity to host Alex Edwards from the UK.

“Alex arrived at the club wanting to park his campervan but as he was a young lad travelling on his own I decided to take him in and have him stay the night at my place. Reiko and Akira were going to be home so I thought that would be a bit of company for Alex also. We all had dinner together and then we put a mattress in the living room for Alex. I think he enjoyed himself.”

Alex’s experience is a prime example of what the International Rugby Club wanted Lions fans to get a taste of whilst in New Zealand said Tony Molloy, co-founder of the IRC.

“We created these initiatives to not only raise funds for clubs but to show travelling Lions fans Kiwis generous hospitality and the rugby club community spirit. Sandra and Alex’s experience is a perfect example of this, and we are chuffed Sandra has accepted an Honorary Membership to the IRC, as a tireless Club Stalwart for Ponsonby she embodies everything that is good about club rugby”.

The International Rugby Club spirit has spread far and wide with a similar experience had by Phillipa and Richard Waring who were lucky enough to stay with former All Black Bruce Robertson for the night of the first match in Whangarei on 3 June.

The IRC have raised a further $7,000 for rugby clubs around the world with their other fundraising initiatives including Legends @ the Local events and their IRC Rugby Roadtrip Raffle which donates $5 back to rugby clubs with each raffle ticket purchased.

The International Rugby Club is a rugby club that benefits rugby clubs and we’re connecting the global rugby community through good times, goodwill and authentic experiences. The IRC’s club fundraising initiatives are critical to everything we do: http://therugbyclub.co.nz/club-fundraising